[citation needed] Committing to the University of Minnesota to play with the Golden Gophers in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association conference, Patterson assumed the backup position to Alex Kangas for his freshman and sophomore seasons.
In his junior season in 2010–11, Patterson emerged as the starting goaltender for the Golden Gophers and in 30 appearances accumulated 14 victories to be named in the All-WCHA Second Team.
As a senior in 2011–12, Patterson compiled his most successful collegiate season, earning a career high 28 wins in 43 games for the Gophers.
[4] Patterson's impressive play behind the Cutthroats defense was rewarded when he was selected as the CHL's Goaltender and Rookie of the Month award for November.
At the conclusion of the Cutthroats opening round playoff loss, Patterson was recalled to the Monsters and notched his first AHL win with a victory over the Syracuse Crunch on April 9, 2013.