DUBUQUE, IA — Dubuque Fighting Saints goaltender Marcus Brännman announced today his commitment to the University of Michigan. The 20-year-old Swedish netminder is in his first season in the USHL.

This season, Brännman has shouldered the load between he pipes for the Fighting Saints starting 25 of their 41 games to date. He leads the Fighting Saints in wins (14), save percentage (.907%), and goals against average (2.91). He ranks in the top 10 each of those categories league wide among goaltenders who have appeared in at least 16 games.

"As soon as I stepped on the campus, it felt like home," said Brännman. "I appreciate Michigan giving me this opportunity. I look forward to furthering my academic and hockey career there in the future."

During his first season in Dubuque, Brännman has quickly become a steady force in net. The Bromma, Sweden native burst onto the scene early this season earning USHL Goaltender of the Week honors after posting a 35 save shutout over the Des Moines Buccaneers on October 15th. Then in December, he was named to Team Sweden for the 2023 World Junior Championships. In his first start after returning from the World Juniors, Brännman picked up right where he left ff with a win over Green Bay that was the start of a season long seven game point streak for the Fighting Saints and the start of a 13 game stretch where he started each game.

"Marcus has earned this opportunity with hard work, dedication to his craft, and never wavering belief in himself," said Fighting Saints President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Kalle Larsson. "We are excited for Marcus and his family that he will continue his career at the University of Michigan."

Brännman was selected by the Fighting Saints in the 10^th round of the 2021 USHL Phase 2 Draft with the 142^nd overall selection. Prior to joining the Saints, Brännman played in his home country of

Brännman becomes the second Fighting Saint to commit to the Wolverines this season, joining forward Mikey Burchill. Michigan is led by 1^st year Interim Head Coach Brandon Naurato. As of this release, the Wolverines are in second place in the Big Ten Conference and have an overall record of 20-10-2 and rank 4^th in the nation in both the USA Today and USCHO polls.