Matt Cullen's journey to the Gophers alongside his sons: A Family Affair
In the world of professional sports, few stories are as heartwarming and inspiring as that of Matt Cullen and his sons. Cullen, a former NHL player with a illustrious career spanning over two decades, has now taken on a new role as a mentor and coach to his own offspring. The story of his sons' journey to the University of Minnesota hockey team is a testament to the power of family, passion, and hard work.
Cullen's sons, Wyatt, Brooks, and Joey, have all committed to the Gophers, with Wyatt and Brooks joining as incoming freshmen this fall and Joey set to join after some time at the United States National Development Program. This is a full-circle moment for Matt, whose father, Terry, coached him and his two brothers growing up in Moorhead, Minnesota. The experience helped shape how Matt navigated his own path with his boys.
"We grew up in a hockey house," Cullen told me on a recent episode of the Fellowship of the Rink podcast. "My dad loved the game, teaching the game. We talked hockey a lot, had a backyard rink. Growing up in the background and the kids growing up in NHL locker rooms and being around playoff runs and watching everything I was doing and studying my teammates and living or dying with every season with every team I was on, they had some unique experiences."
Cullen's sons have had very unique childhoods, growing up around NHL dressing rooms. Matt, 49, said his sons were at the right age during the Penguins' 2016 and 2017 Stanley Cup runs to be part of the pre-scout video when he was at home. They did online school while at Pittsburgh's practice facility.
"If any of them got in any trouble, the teacher would make them run a lap around the rink," Matt said. "(Penguins coach) Mike Sullivan would say, 'Oh, Joey is in trouble today, he's taking a lap.'"
Cullen's role as director of player development for the University of Minnesota hockey team is a hands-on one, allowing him to work closely with his sons and help them chase their own NHL dreams. It's a unique opportunity for a father to be so involved in his children's athletic careers, and it's one that Cullen embraces with enthusiasm.
"I’ve had a lot of different experiences since I retired, from coaching and managing and sitting in the player development group with the Penguins," Cullen said. "So when this came up, it gave me the opportunity to use all the experiences I’ve had in the game, through playing and the other side of coaching. It gives me a breadth of experience to share with the guys. They’re all on a path, all want to make the NHL and maximize their time at the U and win a national championship. All these things are exciting to me."
Cullen's sons have already made their mark in the NHL. Wyatt was selected by the Nashville Predators in the 2026 NHL Draft, a moment that brought back memories of Cullen's own draft day 30 years ago. The family's presence at the draft was a heartwarming sight, and it's a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Cullen family.
As for Joey, Cullen says he gave his son some space when it came to choosing his own path, but his overall message to Joey is what he would tell any incoming recruit about coming to Minnesota.
"We talk about what we have and what we have planned from a development standpoint," Cullen said. "What we’re trying to implement in Minnesota. We’re trying to make this as close to the NHL as you can make it at the college level. Yes, there are elements of school and guys take that seriously, but the rest of the time we’re trying to develop you into NHL players. Every player that comes to Minnesota, that’s their goal. My biggest job is to make sure the guys know they’ll get everything they need to go as far as they want to go. That’s the sell."
The Gophers are coming off a down season, having missed the NCAA tournament after going 11-22-3. The program hasn't won a national title since 2002, and Cullen acknowledges that the team must adjust its recruiting philosophy if it wants to reach that elite level.
"You have to," Cullen said. "That’s one of Larson’s directives, is we have to do more. We want to be more active all over. The hockey world is more competitive now for players than it’s ever been. It starts at the junior hockey level. There are options for kids. It’s a great time to be a player because there are a lot of options. To compete at the college level now, teams are everywhere — they’re in Canada, they’re in Europe, they’re in Minnesota. For us to continue to be successful and take the next step, we have to be really active and I think that’s one thing Larson has really pushed. We have to put in a lot of work to get players. Probably years ago, when I was coming through, it was assumed you’d get the Minnesota kids. We have to put in the work to get them."
Cullen's journey to the Gophers alongside his sons is a testament to the power of family, passion, and hard work. It's a story that will inspire and motivate athletes and families alike, and it's one that will be remembered for years to come.
