Wilderness forward Mills makes NCAA DI commitment

May 18, 2017

The Minnesota Wilderness, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), are pleased to announce that forward Zach Mills, 20, has decided to further his education and hockey career at NCAA Division I, Niagara University, members of the Atlantic Hockey Association.

 

A native of Cottage Grove, Minnesota, Mills led the Wilderness in scoring in both the regular season and playoffs, amassing 22 goals and 26 assists for 48 points during the regular season while adding 6 goals and 6 assists for 12 points during the playoffs. Very active in the community, Mills led the Wilderness in community service hours and was known as a fan favorite in the organization.

 

“Zach exemplifies the character and skill-set that warrants this opportunity. I know he will fit into the Niagara University campus community as a student-athlete, citizen, and hockey player. For a player to not only lead his team in scoring in the regular season, but to elevate his game and be one of the top scorers in the playoffs tells you who Zach is as a player and person,” said Wilderness head coach Tim Madsen.

 

Mills was also selected to and played in the 2017 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament for the Central Division team, where he had three points in two games.

 

Prior to playing in the NAHL, Mills was a standout high school player in Minnesota for Hill-Murray.

 

“I want to thank my teammates, Coach Madsen, Coach Benedict and the rest of the Wilderness organization for giving me the opportunity to succeed. Throughout the season, I was able to grow on and off the ice because of the great people who surrounded me. I am humbled by the opportunity to play Division One hockey and continue my education at Niagara University. The next season cannot come soon enough,” said Mills.

 

Mills is the 8th NCAA Division I commit to suit up in a Wilderness jersey during the 2016-17 Season.