Wilderness defenseman Jaks makes NCAA DI commitment

June 14, 2016

The Minnesota Wilderness, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), are pleased announce the NCAA Division I commitment of defenseman Janis Jaks to American International College (AIC) for the 2016-17 season. AIC is a member of the Atlantic Hockey Association (AHA)>

 

“I’m really excited to continue my Journey at AIC,” Jaks said on his commitment. “I would like to thank all of my coaches during my time with the Wilderness especially Coach Millen and Coach Meisner.”

 

Jaks, 20, came to the Wilderness very early in the 2014-15 season from Rio Grande Valley and helped the Wilderness capture the first Robertson Cup Championship in only its second year in the league. 

 

Jaks made an immediate impact for the Wilderness playing a role that saw him play in every situation.  The native of Riga, Latvia played in 117 games in his NAHL career scoring 11 goals and adding 35 assists for 46 career points. 

 

This past season, Jaks had 27 points in 56 games. He also was selected to and played in the 2016 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament for the Midwest Division Team.

 

The 6’0/190 lbs. defenseman came over from Latvians HK Riga team.  Jaks also has a lot of international play competing in the U20 World Junior championships the past 2 years.  

 

“We are really excited for Janis,” General Manager Dave Boitz said about Jaks.  “Janis has been a big part of our program for two years and was a part of championship team two years ago.”