Austin goalie Lehr makes NCAA DI commitment

February 28, 2014

 

Austin Bruins and NAHL goalie Nick Lehr grew up watching the Minnesota Gophers play hockey. Now he’s going to join them.

 

Lehr made his verbal commitment to play men’s hockey at the University of Minnesota this week and he couldn’t be much happier with his decision.

 

“It’s a dream come true,” said Lehr, who is from Roseville, Minn. “I grew up ten minutes from the University of Minnesota and I used to go to games and watch them.”

 

Lehr is in his third year with the Austin Bruins and he’s improved every season. His first season he was a back-up and he finished 9-8-1 with a 2.68 Goals Against Average and a save percentage of 91.8, his second year he went 25-8-5 with a 2.39 GAA and a save percentage of 91.4 and this year he’s 27-12 with a 1.93 GAA and a save percentage of 93.1.

 

Lehr recently appeared in the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament last week where he helped the Central team to an undefeated record at the event. The University of Minnesota was one of dozens of NCAA Division I schools in attendance.

 

Five of Lehr’s eight career NAHL shutouts have been this season.

 

Austin Bruins head coach Chris Tok said Lehr has earned his chance to play goalie with the Gophers.

 

“For Nick it’s awesome. He spent three years chasing his dream,” Tok said. “That’s what this league is about, getting another kick at the can.

 

Lehr has been a big reason that the Bruins have had a successful season this year, despite playing with a lot of first year players.

 

“He’s been very instrumental this season,” Tok said. “He’s been keeping our team in games. Nick’s been the backbone from day one.”