MANKATO, Minn. – Minnesota State University men's hockey has chosen fifth-year senior forward Sam Morton (Lafayette, Colorado) to be its team captain for the 2023-24 season.

Alternate captains include sophomore defenseman Mason Wheeler (Rosemount, Minnesota), fifth-year senior forward Jordan Steinmetz (Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin), and senior defenseman Tony Malinowski (Clarkston, Michigan).
 
"Sam is an excellent representation of our program on and off the ice," head coach Luke Strand said. "His stand-alone leadership is great, but will be fortified with our alternate captains that were chosen. They bring qualities to our team through experience, work ethic and commanding ability."
 
The announcement was made at a team meeting Friday afternoon. Morton, an alternate captain last season scored six goals with two assists for the Mavericks in 2022-23. In 65 career games, he has tallied 20-22—42 on 141 shots on goal and was named All-Tournament at the 2022 Frozen Four in Boston, scoring MSU's lone goal in the National Championship game against Denver. Morton also has five career game-winning goals.
 
Last season, Morton was named a Krampade All-American Scholar and is currently working toward a master's degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology (after earning his bachelor's degree in Psychology).
 
Wheeler appeared in 37 games for the Mavericks in his first season and held a plus-nine rating with five assists. He also ranked fifth on the squad with 29 blocked shots. Wheeler is majoring in Finance at MSU.
 
Steinmetz transferred to Minnesota State after four years at St. Lawrence, where he skated in 122 career games, scored 16 goals, and collected 19 assists. Steinmetz was a three-sport athlete in high school and an honor roll student. He was named one of three players to wear the "C" for the Skating Saints in 2022-23.
 
Malinowski played in 37 games as a junior last season and posted 1-5—6 with 18 shots on goal and a plus-six rating. In 64 career games in a Maverick uniform, Malinowski has a pair of goals, eight assists, and 10 points. He is majoring in Business Management/Marketing.
 
Last year's leadership group included captains Brendan Furry and Cade Borchardt with alternates Sam Morton and Jake Livingstone.
 
The Mavericks begin the regular season Oct. 13-14 in Mankato against St. Cloud State. Season and single-game tickets are on sale now.