New Mexico forward Bentley makes NCAA DI commitment

Dillan Bentley played three seasons in the NAPHL and one season in the NA3HL before his current stint in the NAHL and NCAA Division I commitment to UMass-Lowell.

The New Mexico Ice Wolves of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are pleased to announce that forward Dillan Bentley has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for UMass-Lowell in Hockey East.

Bentley, 20, is another remarkable ladder of development story, having played previously in both the NAPHL and NA3HL before his assent to the NAHL. The 6’4/195 lbs. native of Peoria, IL, is currently leading the Ice Wolves in scoring so far this season with 27 points (13 goals, 14 assists) in 26 games played.

During the 2020-21 season, Bentley had 23 points in 54 games with the Ice Wolves.

“I am very proud and honored to announce my commitment to play Division 1 College Hockey and further my education at Umass Lowell. I would like to thank my family, coaches, teammates, and friends for helping me get to this point. Can’t wait to get started! #riverhawks,” said Bentley.

Bentley made his NAHL debut with the Ice Wolves during the 2019-20 season, in which he played the entire season with his hometown Peoria Mustangs, where he led the team in scoring that season with 55 points in 46 games played.

“Dillan has earned every bit of his commitment to UMass-Lowell. He has put in the work it takes to be an NCAA Division I hockey player and he is going to be a great player at that level because he is one of the highest motivated players I’ve been around. He will work for his goals and this is a result of it,” said New Mexico head coach Phil Fox. “Good things happen to good people who work for them and Dillan has proven this. I couldn’t be happier for Dillon and the Riverhawks.”

Prior to playing in the NA3HL, Bentley spent three seasons playing in the NAPHL for the Madison Capitols. He also played in the 2019 NAHL 18U Top Prospects Tournament in Blaine, MN, for the NAPHL East team.

In three seasons with the Capitols 18U and 16U teams, Bentley played in 57 career games and had 18 points.

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list