Odessa Forward Graves makes NCAA Commitment

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

The 5-foot-10 skater from Clearwater, Florida, will head to Iowa to play for the Spartans in the fall. Graves is a third-year NAHL veteran. He started his junior hockey career with the Colorado Grit in the 2023-24 campaign. He hit the ice in 48 contests with the Grit, finding twine six times, while making 17 assists. Following his rookie season, the ‘05 forward kicked off his second-year skating with the Grit in 35 games. The left-hand shot scored three goals while making seven assists with the Colorado-based team. Midseason, Graves was acquired by the Jackalopes, joining the Texas program in late January. The 20-year-old tallied three goals while making four assists in the 18 games played with Odessa. He would head into his age-out season with Odessa. He played a total of 29 games for the Jackalopes, scoring six goals while making 10 assists. Graves was out for a good portion of his final season in juniors, sustaining an injury following the NAHL Showcase in September until early January. 

The forward from Florida played a total of 130 games in the League of Opportunity. He scored 18 career goals and made 38 assists in his three-year junior career. He features 56 career points while playing for two South Division teams.

Graves is one of three members of the Odessa Jackalopes to make a college ice hockey commitment.

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list