New Hampshire Defenseman Knutson makes NCAA Commitment

The New Hampshire Mountain Kings of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are proud to announce that defenseman Cael Knutson has committed to play NCAA hockey for College of St. Scholastica in the MIAC.

The 6-foot-4 blueliner hailing from the State of Hockey, Knutson, will head back to his hometown of Duluth, Minnesota, to skate with the Saints this upcoming fall. Knutson is a prime example of skating through the ladder of development. This season, he has laced up so far in 30 contests for the Mountain Kings. The ‘05 skater features four goals and two assists. One of his tallies was named the decider in a contest, one was scored on the man advantage, while one other was notched shorthanded.

Prior to skating in the East Division, Knutson got his first taste of the League of Opportunity with the Chippewa Steel during his 2024-25 campaign. He earned a midseason callup from the Rochester Grizzlies in the NA3HL. With Chippewa, the defenseman hit the ice in 30 games, notching an assist with the Steel.

His rookie season in junior hockey spotlighted the Minnesota native skating with the Rochester Grizzlies during the 2023-24 season. He played in 38 games, finding the back of the net twice while producing seven assists. He sported a +8 rating with the Grizzlies that season.

Head coach of the Mountain Kings, Cam Robichaud, explains more about the impact Knutson has had on the Mountain Kings roster this season.

“We are happy for Cael and his family! Cael was a great offseason pickup for us. He brings heaviness, compete, and character to the rink every day. Cael has been a core piece to our defensive group all season and has stepped up in a big way during our team's injury bug. I look forward to watching him play at the NCAA level!”

Knutson is one of three members of the New Hampshire Mountain Kings to make a college ice hockey commitment.

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list