Odessa Defenseman Whited makes NCAA Commitment

Photo Credit: Michael Cosman

The Odessa Jackalopes of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are proud to announce that forward Padraic Whited has committed to play NCAA hockey for Marian University in the NCHA.

The 20-year-old from Helena, Montana, Whited will skate with the Sabres in the fall. The 6-foot skater has laced up in 31 games this season He started his 2025-26 campaign with the Amarillo Wranglers, playing in six games for the South Division team. He found the back of the net twice while securing three assists with Amarillo. Whited was then acquired by the Springfield Jr. Blues and played in 19 games with Springfield, scoring one goal while making three assists. Following his time playing with the Jr. Blues, Whited was acquired by the Odessa Jackalopes, heading back to the South Division to play. The blueliner has hit the ice in 10 games and has notched three assists with the team so far.

Last season, the ‘05 skater hit the ice in 31 games with the Wranglers, notching two assists in his first full season in the NAHL. Prior to making his League of Opportunity debut, he spent a season playing with his hometown team, the Helena Bighorns in the NA3HL. In his 2022-23 campaign, Whited hit the ice in 37 games, tallying two goals and 13 assists. Following that year, he spent a season in the T1ER playing in 12 games. He produced five assists in his 18U season with the team. 

Whited is one of two members of the Odessa Jackalopes to make a college ice hockey commitment.

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list