Next Wave Of NAHL Players Make DI Commitments
Next Wave Of NAHL Players Make DI Commitments
In the past month, North American Hockey League (NAHL) players--including Gvido Jansons, Jake Kucharski, and Mason Krueger--across the continent have been verbally committing to Division I colleges.
In the past month, North American Hockey League (NAHL) players across the continent have been verbally committing to Division I colleges. Much like years prior, November has seen another wave of new commitments since this summer. Here are the four most recent players to commit to Division I programs.
Gvido Jansons
Position: Defenseman
Jansons just joined his three Aston Rebels teammates who chose to play at a Division I school next season. Jansons, 19, is listed at 6-foot-4, 210-pounds, and is a strong offensive-defenseman in his second year with the Rebels.
Jansons is on his way to a career year with Aston; through 17 games, he is just two goals and six points shy of his output in 47 games last season. Jansons used his powerful shot to help lead his team with powerplay goals this season--as a defenseman!
He committed to Arizona State University for the 2017-18 season. Currently an independent team, ASU plans on joining a conference in the coming years.
Jake Kucharski
Position: Goaltender
NAHL rookie Kucharski is in his first season with the Austin Bruins. The Bruins currently sit last in the Central Division, but are also just two points back from second place in the tight division race.
Just 17, Kucharski is the first in-season commitment for the Bruins this year. Kucharski said he understands his young age gives him time to further develop his skills before Providence slots him into the crease full time.
Kucharski wants to improve his overall game, which he said includes becoming stronger, faster and more confident before taking the next step.
Kucharski committed to Providence College to join Kristofer Carlson as the second Austin goalie in as many seasons set to join the Friars. He is excited to stay close to home for his college career.
Mason Krueger
Position: Forward
Krueger is the oldest of these three commitments at 20 years old. Krueger is on his way to a breakout year with Corpus Christi--he currently leads his team in all offensive categories and scoring over a point per game.
In his third year with the IceRays, Krueger built on his offensive production each season. IceRays Head Coach Brad Flynn said Krueger is a model of work ethic and leadership both on and off the ice.
Krueger committed to play college hockey with Army, and he'll attend West Point Military Academy. He and IceRays teammate Cody Fleckenstein both committed to play for Army next season.
Gvido Jansons
Position: Defenseman
Hometown: Riga, Latvia
2015-16 NAHL Stats: 47 GP, 7 G, 13 A, 20 Pts.
2016-17 NAHL Stats: 17 GP, 5 G, 9 A, 14 Pts.
Jansons just joined his three Aston Rebels teammates who chose to play at a Division I school next season. Jansons, 19, is listed at 6-foot-4, 210-pounds, and is a strong offensive-defenseman in his second year with the Rebels.
Jansons is on his way to a career year with Aston; through 17 games, he is just two goals and six points shy of his output in 47 games last season. Jansons used his powerful shot to help lead his team with powerplay goals this season--as a defenseman!
He committed to Arizona State University for the 2017-18 season. Currently an independent team, ASU plans on joining a conference in the coming years.
Jake Kucharski
Position: Goaltender
Hometown: Erie, Pennsylvania
2015-16 NAHL Stats: N/A
2016-17 NAHL Stats: 10 GP, 4 W, 2.92 GAA, .905 SV%
NAHL rookie Kucharski is in his first season with the Austin Bruins. The Bruins currently sit last in the Central Division, but are also just two points back from second place in the tight division race.
Just 17, Kucharski is the first in-season commitment for the Bruins this year. Kucharski said he understands his young age gives him time to further develop his skills before Providence slots him into the crease full time.
Kucharski wants to improve his overall game, which he said includes becoming stronger, faster and more confident before taking the next step.
Kucharski committed to Providence College to join Kristofer Carlson as the second Austin goalie in as many seasons set to join the Friars. He is excited to stay close to home for his college career.
Mason Krueger
Position: Forward
Hometown: Bettendorf, Iowa
2015-16 Stats: 58 GP, 13 G, 14 A, 27 Pts.
2016-17 Stats: 17 GP, 7 G, 11 A, 18 Pts.
Krueger is the oldest of these three commitments at 20 years old. Krueger is on his way to a breakout year with Corpus Christi--he currently leads his team in all offensive categories and scoring over a point per game.
In his third year with the IceRays, Krueger built on his offensive production each season. IceRays Head Coach Brad Flynn said Krueger is a model of work ethic and leadership both on and off the ice.
Krueger committed to play college hockey with Army, and he'll attend West Point Military Academy. He and IceRays teammate Cody Fleckenstein both committed to play for Army next season.