Wisconsin Forward Hayes makes NCAA Commitment

Hayes at the 2025 Robertson Cup

The Wisconsin Windigo of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are proud to announce that forward Hunter Hayes has committed to play NCAA hockey for St. Olaf College in the MIAC.

The 5’10 lefty from the Golden State will hit the ice with the Oles in Northfield, Minnesota, in the fall. Hayes has hit the ice in a total of 66 games this season between two teams. His offensive prowess has made him one of the top skaters on the Wisconsin roster. The ‘04 skater started his season with the Minnesota Mallards, lacing up for 38 games for the team. He found the back of the net 13 times and produced 10 assists. Two of his goals were named the decider in the contest, while five of his goals were scored on the man advantage. His dominance on the ice led him to being named as a Top Prospect for the Central Division team at the 2025 Top Prospects Tournament. During the two-game tournament, he produced an assist for the Central Division team. 

In early February, the California native was acquired by the Wisconsin Windigo and made an immediate impact on the spreadsheet. In his 28 games played with Wisconsin, 14 of those contests were multiple-point games, and he had only six games without a point on the scoresheet. Hayes found the back of the net 19 times and notched 25 assists for the Windigo. He was named as the Bauer NAHL’s Forward of the Month in March thanks to his 20-point performance during the month.

His best matchup of the season was his last game of the season against the Lone Star Brahmas in game three of the Robertson Cup Semifinals. Hayes secured a four-point performance thanks to a hat trick and an assist. That hat trick was his first of the season. His offensive prowess was essential to the Windigo in the postseason. He led his team with seven goals and was tied first with Teddy Richardson with 13 points in the playoffs. 

Hayes is an example of the Ladder of Development that the NAHL prides itself on. He played two seasons with the Philadelphia Little Flyers in the NAPHL.

Alongside Hayes, Connor McNaughton from the Maine Nordiques, Ryan Nolan from the Northeast Generals, Evan Smutney from the Colorado Grit, Eli Miller from the North Iowa Bulls, and Cody Kempf from the Corpus Christi IceRays will hit the ice at St. Olaf College this upcoming fall.

Head Coach of Windigo, John Mitchell, explains the impact Hayes made for the Windigo.

“There's not much to say about Hunter. His league leading playoff performance did that for him. Acquiring him at the deadline made my life easier. He was a fantastic athlete and human to coach. I foresee him being an immediate contributor at St. Olaf.”

Hayes 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