Minnesota Wilderness Captain Margenau makes NCAA Commitment

Photo Credit: Snowyrock Photography

The Minnesota Wilderness of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are proud to announce that defenseman Luke Margenau has committed to play NCAA hockey for University of Wisconsin-River Falls in the WIAC.

The 5’10 righty from the State of Hockey is heading to Wisconsin to skate with the Falcons in the fall. Margenau is a first-year skater for the Wilderness. This past season he hit the ice in 48 games, finding the back of the net five times while notching 28 assists. One of the five goals was scored on the man advantage. The 20-year-old blueliner was selected as a Top Prospect for the Midwest Division roster at the Top Prospects Tournament this year.

Head Coach of the Wilderness, Zach Stepan, shares more on what it means to have Margenau on the roster

“I had the pleasure of coaching Luke Margenau with both the Des Moines Buccaneers and the Minnesota Wilderness, and it has been a privilege to watch his growth as both a player and a person. Luke was an outstanding Captain for us, and what set him apart was his ability to lead in different ways—he knew when the team needed a stern voice to hold everyone accountable, and he also knew when younger players needed guidance, encouragement, or teaching. That balance is rare in a leader, and Luke executed it exceptionally well.”

Stepan went on to explain what he saw on the ice from Margenau.

“On the ice, Luke’s work ethic, skating ability, moxy, and high hockey IQ consistently made him one of our most reliable players. He was the type of player who set the tone every day in practice and in games, and his presence elevated everyone around him. Off the ice, he embodied professionalism, maturity, and an unwavering commitment to team culture.”

“Luke will be greatly missed within our organization, not only for his contributions on the ice but for the example he set in the locker room,” stated Stepan. “I have no doubt he will make an immediate impact at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls, and I am excited to follow his career as he takes this next step in his journey.”

Margenau will join 20+ NAHL alumni on UW-River Falls. UW-River Falls, which is located 30 minutes from the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, plays in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) and are 19-time WIAC Champions. The three-time NCAA National Champions play their home games out of the brand new 65-million-dollar W.H. Hunt Arena, located directly on campus.

Margenau is one of eight members of the Minnesota Wilderness to make a college hockey commitment.

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment lis