Kenai River Forward Newman makes NCAA Commitment

The Kenai River Brown Bears of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are proud to announce that forward Parker Newman has committed to play NCAA hockey for Trine University in the NCHA.

The 5-foot-11 righty from Grand Rapids, Michigan, Newman will join the Thunder in Angola, Indiana, this upcoming fall. Newman just wrapped up his second year of junior hockey in the League of Opportunity. This past season, he spent most of his time playing with the Kenai River Brown Bears in the Midwest Division. He skated in 47 games with the Alaska-based team. He tallied 17 goals, leading the Brown Bears in goal-scoring, and made 18 assists. Three of his tallies were deciders in contests, while three goals were scored on the power play.

Before joining Kenai River, Newman played five games with the New Hampshire Mountain Kings in the East Division. He notched two assists with the Mountain Kings in that span. His work on the ice earned him recognition as a Top Prospect for the 2026 Top Prospects Tournament. Newman scored a goal during the annual event while representing the Midwest Division team.

In his debut year in the NAHL, he started his year in the Midwest Division with the Anchorage Wolverines. The 20-year-old played 13 games with Anchorage, registering six points in the span. The Michigan native scored two goals while making four assists for the Alaska-based team. He was then acquired by the Minot Minotauros, where he played 28 games in the Central Division. Newman scored two goals and produced two assists for the Tauros. One of his tallies was named a game-winning goal for Minot.

Newman is one of six members of the Kenai River Brown Bears to make a college ice hockey commitment.

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list