El Paso Goaltender Modelski makes NCAA Commitment

The El Paso Rhinos of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are proud to announce that goaltender Michael Modelski has committed to play NCAA hockey for the Utica University in the UCHC.

The 20-year-old from New Boston, Michigan, Modelski will join the Pioneers this fall in Utica, New York. Modelski wrapped up a dominating season in net for the Rhinos. The 6-foot-1 netminder played 31 games in net during the regular season. He recorded a 2.05 goals-against average and .939 save percentage for El Paso. In addition, the goaltender secured two shutout performances for the Rhinos.

Modelski really turned up his defensive skill in net during the second-half of the season. The Michigan native recorded back-to-back Star of the Month honors thanks to his work between the pipes in February and March. The 6-foot-1 netminder featured a league-best 1.01 goals-against average and .969 save percentage in February and then spotlighted a .960 save percentage and 1.40 goals-against average in March. In addition to the monthly awards, Modelski was also named a South Division Star of the Week twice (February 23, 2026 and March 23, 2026).

His work between the pipes earned him distinction with end-of-year regular season awards. He was a Goaltender of the Year finalist and was named to the All-South Division Team. In addition, the 20-year-old got to compete in his old stomping grounds at the USA Hockey Arena with the annual Top Prospects Tournament. He played for the South Division team and featured a 17-save performance, earning a win for the South Division team.

In the postseason, Modelski played a key role in making history for the El Paso organization. The Rhinos made their first South Division Final as a team in the NAHL thanks to his work in net. The Michigan native recorded a 2.83 goals-against average and .908 save percentage during his team’s playoff run.

Modelski is one of eight members of the El Paso Rhinos to make a college ice hockey commitment.

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list