Wisconsin Forward Cline makes NCAA Commitment

Cline at the 2025 Robertson Cup

The Wisconsin Windigo of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are proud to announce that forward Zach Cline has committed to play NCAA hockey for University of Dubuque in the NCHA.

Hailing from Chesterfield, Michigan, Zach Cline is heading to skate with the Spartans in the fall. The 21-year-old is a fourth-year veteran of the NAHL. The past three seasons he has played with the Wisconsin Windigo, and this past season he served as an Assistant Captain of the roster. Cline was one of the top scorers on the team, ranking second overall with 36 assists, and third with 21 goals and 57 total points over 70 games. Three of his goals were scored on the man advantage this season, and he notched one game-winning goal for the Windigo. The ‘04 lefty was a major contributor in the postseason, finding the back of the net four times and producing seven assists over 12 games for the Wisconsin team.

Last year, Cline laced up for 63 matchups, tallying eight goals and 14 assists. From last year to the 2024-25 season, the Michigan native almost tripled his offensive production on the ice. In the Windigo’s debut season, the 21-year-old played in 61 games and scored 13 goals while making 21 assists. Cline served as a cornerstone of the Windigo organization, being a skater since the inception of the team. 

The future Spartan got his first taste of the NAHL during the 2021-22 season. He played in four games with the Northeast Generals and then went on to play in 11 contests with the North Iowa Bulls. In those 15 games, Cline notched two goals and two assists. The ‘04 forward played a total of 209 games in the NAHL and registered 117 career points through his four seasons.

The Michigan native is an example of the Ladder of Development that the NAHL prides itself on. Cline played with Biggby Coffee in the NAPHL during the 2021-22 season and featured 11 total points (one goal, 10 assists) over 11 games.

Alongside Cline this upcoming season, four fellow NAHL players will be joining him at the University of Dubuque. Skating with him as a Spartan will be Zak Wentworth from the St. Cloud Norsemen, Charlie Ashton from the Oklahoma Warriors, Andon Coles from the Springfield Jr. Blues, and his fellow Windigo teammate, Beau Altman.

Head Coach of Windigo, John Mitchell, shares his excitement for Cline.

“Zach was a pillar within the Wisconsin Windigo locker room and hockey community of Eagle River. He is a true professional in everything he sets his mind to. Being here from day one, helping this team to three consecutive playoff appearances, two regular season championships, and one Robertson Cup appearance, we couldn’t be more excited for Zach to realize his NCAA dreams of playing hockey.”

Cline is one of nine members of the Wisconsin Windigo to make a college ice hockey commitment.

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list