Northeast defenseman Kaminski makes NCAA commitment

The Northeast Generals, proud members of the North American Hockey League, are pleased to announce that defenseman Jacob Kaminski has committed to play NCAA Division III hockey for UMass-Boston.

Kaminski, 21, was acquired by the NA3HL Generals after the 2019-20 season from the Gillette Wild where he had played 87 games during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons. 

Kaminski made a quick impression with the NA3HL Generals in 2020-21, putting up 27 points in 32 games along with 66 penalty minutes.  His play earned him a mid-season call up to the NAHL Generals where he played 2 games.

The 2021-22 season would see Jacob join the NAHL Generals on a tender.  He played 32 games, missing time due to injuries. But he was always a physical and reliable force when on the ice.

The 2022-23 season was a big jump for Jacob.  His confidence with the puck on his stick became more apparent.  His grit and determination are obvious to any watching him play.

“I am so incredibly proud of Jacob.  He is a true testament to perseverance.  He has earned everything he has gotten.  He came to us from a good NA3HL program where he was a dominant offensive minded D man.  He did that here playing for Darryl on the NA3 team but really bought into Coach Locke’s defense first coaching philosophy.  Coach Locke prepared him greatly for the NAHL and he has been a tremendous player, person and leader for us the last 3 years.  He does everything we have ever asked of him on and off the ice.  Hardest worker in the room in everything he does.  He is going to be an incredibly successful person.  He will have a great career on the ice at UMASS Boston as have the numerous players we have sent there but he will also be a star off the ice.  I can’t wait to watch him grow in the great man he is becoming,” said Head Coach Bryan Erikson.

General Manager Matt Dibble added, “I had to ask Bryan if Jacob was for real the first time I met him.  He was a scratch and he was running around getting the boys all hyped up, taping their sticks, filling water, carrying sticks.  I asked Bryan if he knew he was already on the team.  Bryan told me that was just him.  And sure enough it was.  And he hasn’t changed once in the two years I have known him.  He now is a very dependable Roc City Coach for me.  The boys love him, he loves the kids.  He works hard at everything he does.  He is a great General and will be a great Beacon.  But he will always be a great man.”

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list