Odessa defenseman Taulien makes NCAA DI commitment

The Odessa Jackalopes, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), are pleased to announce that defenseman Trevor Taulien has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for Ferris State University. Taulien becomes the third Jackalopes player to commit this season.

Taulien, 18, is in his first season in the NAHL. He has played in 39 games for the Jacks so far and is sixth on the team in points. His 19 points are the most by a defenseman on the team.

“I am honored, excited, and blessed by the grace of God to announce my commitment to further my academic career and play Division I hockey with the Ferris State Bulldogs in the CCHA,” said Taulien. “I would like to thank my family for pushing me to be my best at everything I do and providing me with all the essentials to be a hockey player and person that is a positive contributor to our society.”

Taulien also thanked his coaches and teammates that have continued to push him and guide him over the years. He also wanted to thank the Odessa Jackalopes front office staff, equipment team, his billets, and fans for welcoming him with open arms and always packing the JackShack.

The 6’5/215 lbs. native of Crystal Lake, IL is tied for sixth on the team in assists (13). He has three short-handed goals this season which puts him in a tie for first. He is also sixth on the team in +/- with 8. It only took two games for Taulien to score his first NAHL goal. His longest point streak of the season is four games (1g, 4a).

Head Coach Scott Deur stated this regarding Taulien’s commitment, “We are excited for Trevor to be going to Ferris. He has made a lot of strides in his first season with the Jacks on and off the ice. We are really looking forward to seeing what he does at the collegiate level.”

Taulien played youth hockey for the Milwaukee Jr. Admirals 16U AAA.

Ferris State University is in Big Rapids, MI. The Bulldogs are a member of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA). Ferris State began its first season at the NCAA DI level in 1979. Throughout their history, they have had 12 players reach the National Hockey League. Some notable alumni are, Chris Kunitz, Jason Blake, and Dave Karpa. The Bulldogs have made the NCAA Tournament on four different occasions (2003, 2012, 2014, 2016). Their only Conference Championship came in 2016. Bob Daniels has been their coach for the last 29 years (462-538-107). Taulien will now join fellow teammate Emerson Goode as well as Odessa Jackalope alumni, Nick Grimaldi and Connor Fedorek.

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list