Wilderness forward Ward makes NCAA DI commitment

September 18, 2017

The Minnesota Wilderness, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), are proud to announce that first year forward Benjamin Ward has committed to play NCAA Division I collegiate hockey at St. Cloud State University.

 

Ward, a draft pick by the Wilderness in the NAHL entry draft, will be playing his first year of junior hockey after starring at Monticello-Annandale-Maple Lake High School, in Minnesota.

 

Head Coach Tim Madsen had this to say about Ward’s college choice: “Our entire organization is proud of Benjamin. He made the commitment to leave high school hockey and further challenge himself for his senior year, and that commitment has quickly paid off. With Benjamin’s college decision coming so early in our season, he can now focus on getting better every day, and helping the Wilderness win hockey games.”

 

Ward is the first player off of the 2017-18 Wilderness to earn an NCAA Division I Commitment. In just 31 games last season, Ward had 78 points for MAML, while leading his team to a 2nd place finish in the prestigious Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament. Ward led the State Tournament with 2 goals and 5 assists for a total of 7 points, in just 3 games. He was also selected for the all tournament team.

 

Ward had this to say about his recent commitment, “St. Cloud State is the school that I’ve wanted to go to since I was young. This opportunity is a dream come true. I want to thank the Wilderness ownership, management, coaching staff, and my teammates for their support. I look forward to having a great season and bringing the Robertson Cup back to Cloquet."