Defenseman Matt Niskanen added his name to the list of University of Minnesota Duluth hockey alumni who have gone on to win a Stanley Cup on Thursday night when he and his Washington Capital teammates took down the Vegas Golden Knights 4-3 to clinch the best-of-seven finals series.

Niskanen, joined fellow ex-Bulldogs Brett Hull (Dallas in 1999 and Detroit in 2002), Tom Kurvers (Montreal in 1986), Dave "Moose" Langevin (New York Islanders in 1980, 1981, 1982 and 1984), Derek Plante (Dallas in 1999), Shjon Podein (Colorado in 2001) and Glenn "Chico" Resch (New York Islanders in 1980) in the Stanley Cup winner's circle. In addition, three other UMD alumni -- Norm Maciver (Chicago Blackhwaks assistant general manager; 2010, 203 and 2015), Tony Gasparini (Los Angeles Kings amateur scout; 2014) and Wayne Smith (Boston Bruins director of scouting, 2011) were also members of Stanley Cup champion organization.

The Mountain Iron, Minn. product blocked a league-best 57 shots during the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs and ranked 15th in average ice time (25:23 per game).

Niskanen, who secured All-Western Collegiate Hockey Association first team honors during his second -- and final -- season with the Bulldogs (2006-07), is an 11-year National Hockey League veteran.