Minot Forward Small makes NCAA Commitment

The Minot Minotauros of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are proud to announce that forward John Small has committed to play NCAA hockey for Amherst College in the NESCAC.

Second-year veteran of the Minotauros, Small will skate with the Mammoths in the fall. The 5’10 lefty from Orland Park, Illinois, hit the ice in 62 contests this past season. The ‘04 forward found the back of the net 23 times and notched 33 assists for the North Dakota team. Three of his goals were named the game-winning goal, and five goals were scored on the man advantage.

Small led the Tauros in the postseason with four total points in five games. He tallied a goal and three assists for his team. His lone goal in the playoffs was the decider in a contest.

His debut season in the NAHL featured Small lacing up for 68 games for Minot. Small registered 13 goals and 24 assists. Three of his goals were scored on the power play, while one was the decider in a game. The Illinois native played a total of 130 games, tallying 93 career points.

Joining Small at Amherst College are Caden Olenczak from the Johnstown Tomahawks and Romulus Riego De Dios from the Anchorage Wolverines. Head Coach of the Minotauros, Cody Campbell, shares his excitement for Small’s next step in his hockey career.

“We are excited for John and his family. John was a fantastic player for us for the past two seasons. He now has the opportunity to go get a great education at Amherst and compete for a NESCAC title every season.”

Small is one of the eight members of the Minot Minotauros to make a college ice hockey commitment.

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list