Minot Alternate Captain James makes NCAA Commitment

The Minot Minotauros of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are proud to announce that defenseman Ty James has committed to play NCAA hockey for Gustavus Adolphus College in the MIAC.

The 20-year-old from Council Bluffs, Iowa, James will join the Golden Gusties in St. Peter, Minnesota in the fall. James is a veteran player of the League of Opportunity, skating three seasons with the Tauros. Prior to joining the NAHL, he played in the T1ER with Omaha Mastery. He tendered to the Tauros in late 2022, earning a one-game call-up during his 18U season.

His rookie season in the NAHL, James played 53 games with Minot. He scored two goals and made five assists in his debut season. One of his tallies was scored on the man advantage. Moving into his second season, James was a force from the blue line, scoring 17 points in 63 games played. He found twine three times while producing 14 assists for the North Dakota team. Again, one of his goals was scored on the power play. Moving into his final season of junior hockey, James played in every regular season game for Minot. He hit the ice in 59 contests, registering 39 points for the Central Division team. James lit the lamp 12 times and secured 27 assists in that span. The alternate captain scored his first game-winning goal in his junior career during the 2025-26 season. In addition, six of his tallies were power-play goals.

His work on the ice earned him the recognition of being named a Top Prospect at the 2026 Top Prospects Tournament. James laced up for two games with the Central Division team.

On his team, the T1ER alumnus led Tauro skaters with his 39 points and 27 assists, while ranking third overall on the team with 12 goals. In addition, James was the only Minot skater this season to play in every regular season game.

James is one of nine members of the Minot Minotauros to make a college ice hockey commitment.

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list