Austin Captain Williams makes NCAA DI Commitment

The Austin Bruins of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are proud to announce that defenseman Nathan Williams has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for Maryville University.

The NAHL’s Defenseman of the Year will head to play for the newest Division I program in NCAA hockey. Williams is a third-year veteran of the Austin Bruins, playing over 170 games in the gold and black. The 6-foot-1 righty made his mark in his final year of junior hockey. He led all blueliners in the league with 64 points and 54 assists. His effectiveness on the man advantage was staggering, as 40 of his points were notched on the power play. He recorded 37 power-play assists and 3 power-play goals over the span. In addition, the Wisconsin native was effective on both sides of the ice, securing a +39 rating on the year. The captain laced up for every regular-season game and showed up on the scoresheet in 42 of the 59 games. His leadership and work on the ice earned him the recognition of a multitude of awards. He was named to the Central Division team for the 2026 Top Prospects Tournament, to the All-NAHL Team, All-Central Division Team, and as the January Defenseman of the Month.

Williams shares what it means to have the opportunity at the next level.

“It means a lot to be able to play at the collegiate level. It’s what I’ve been working towards my whole life, and to get the opportunity to play at the college level is a rewarding feeling.”

His hard work on the ice is a testament to what the League of Opportunity promotes. Williams helped to lead his team to a postseason run, securing a coveted spot at the 2026 Robertson Cup as the Central Division representative. In the postseason, the Wisconsin native secured six points in 10 games played. He found twine twice, while notching four assists in that span.

Williams went into detail on why Maryville was the right place for him.

“Being a part of something new and building it from the ground up was a huge appeal. Being a part of something like that is special. To build a culture and a team from the ground up is an amazing thing to do.”

Before his age-out season, Williams played an offensive role from the blue line for the Bruins in his rookie and second season with the team. In his 2024-25 campaign, the Racine, Wisconsin, skater hit the ice in 67 games for the Bruins. He scored 11 goals and 33 assists for the team. He featured a +33 rating on the year and four power-play tallies with the team. In his rookie season, Williams played in 45 games for the Central Division team, notching four points in his first junior season. He found twine twice while notching two assists in that span.

Head coach and general manager of the Bruins, Steve Howard, explains how much of an asset and leader Williams has been for the Austin organization.

“Nathan has been a true leader for us both on and off the ice. We couldn’t be more excited for him and his family. He’s grown each year and now leads all NAHL defensemen in scoring and plus/minus. Maryville is getting one of the best captains we’ve ever had here in Austin.”

Williams is one of seven members of the Austin Bruins to make a Division I hockey college commitment.

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list