Odessa defenseman Couet makes NCAA commitment

Conner Couet played in the 2022 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament, recording a goal and an assist.

The Odessa Jackalopes, a proud member of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), are pleased to announce that Top Prospects defenseman Conner Couet has committed to play NCAA Division III hockey for the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Couet is now the eighth Jackalopes player to commit from the 2021-22 season.

Couet, 20, just finished his third and final season in the NAHL. His first year was in 2019-20 when he was drafted #112 overall by the St. Cloud Blizzard. Couet played 14 games for them and recorded two assists. The St. Michael, MN native finished his rookie season by playing four games for the Jamestown Rebels (1A).

The following season, the 6’2”/195lbs. right-handed defenseman played ten games with the St. Cloud Norsemen (1A) before being acquired by the Odessa Jackalopes. Couet played 31 games for the Jacks during the 2020-21 season and finished with five points (1G, 4A).

During the 2021-22 season, Couet played in 57 games and was named as one of the assistant captains by his teammates. He went on to produce 11 points during those 57 games (2G, 9A). Also, Couet represented Team South at the 2022 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament. He played in both games and registered two points (1G, 1A).

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The Blugolds play in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC). They are coming off their fourth WIAC Tournament Championship by defeating UW-Stevens Point by a score of 6-2. They finished with a record of 18-11-1. Matt Loen has been their head coach since 2007 and has amassed an overall record of 217-124-30.

“I am super excited to be joining a great program and also super grateful for my experience in Odessa and throughout juniors,” said Couet.

“Conner is going to a great University with a successful hockey program and a great coaching staff with a history of winning. He is going to help bolster their back end for years to come. We look forward to watching Conner have a successful collegiate career,” said Odessa Head Coach Scott Deur.

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list