Minot forward Zwiener makes NCAA commitment

July 7, 2017

The Minot Minotauros, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), are proud to announce that forward Spencer Zwiener has committed to play NCAA Division III hockey for The University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire.  

 

Zwiener, 20, played for the Minotauros for one season during which he scored six goals and assisted on 12 others for a total of 18 points.

 

Zwiener (6’1/185) said his choice to Eau Claire was both athletic and academic saying, “It’s a good school that has my major and the hockey team does really well too.”  Zwiener plans to study Kinesiology at Eau Claire.

 

Zwiener is also an alumni of the NA3HL, having played for the Granite City Lumberjacks for 15 games in parts of the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons.

 

The native of Sartell, Minnesota, was quick to thank those who have helped him reach his goal of playing college hockey, “I want to thank coach Marty and Nigel along with the rest of the Tauro organization.”  He added “thank you to the fans as well, best of luck to the Tauro organization in the years to come.”

 

Tauros Head Coach Marty Murray praised the departing forward, “Spencer was a very valuable player for our club last season.  I found him to be very consistent and he could play in all situations.  He has speed, size, and skill that will translate well to the collegiate level.”  

 

Zwiener’s ability to play on the penalty kill was arguably his greatest impact with the Tauros as his shorthanded play contributed to the Tauros finishing third overall in the NAHL on the PK killing 85.3% of the penalties taken.  Zwiener also had a flare for the dramatic as three of his six goals were game winners, two of which came in the final seven minutes of the game.

 

Zwiener becomes the fourth NCAA DIII commitment and eighth Tauro overall to commit to college this season.  The Wisconsin – Eau Claire Bluegolds have won two NCAA DIII National Championships, first in 1984 and most recently in 2013.