Minnesota Wilderness Defenseman Hauser makes NCAA DI Commitment
The Minnesota Wilderness of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are proud to announce that defenseman Matt Hauser has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for St. Cloud State University in the NCHC.
Hailing from the State of Hockey, Hauser has committed to a Division I hockey program close to home. The 6-foot-2 blueliner made an impact on the Minnesota Wilderness following his high school season of hockey. He joined the Midwest Division team in late February and showed up on the scoresheet in critical times for the Wilderness.
In the regular season, Hauser registered nine points in 12 games played. He produced eight assists, with his first junior goal being scored on the man advantage on March 27, 2026. His work on the ice etched his name into Minnesota Wilderness record books with a point in six straight games, tying the team’s mark for point streak amongst rookie defensemen.
Heading into the postseason, the Rogers, Minnesota, skater continued his offensive dominance from the blue line. Hauser produced eight assists in 12 games played, and this production earned his name being etched for another Wilderness record. He recorded the most points in a single postseason run amongst defensemen and matched the team’s career playoff record. The ‘07 defenseman’s ability to capitalize on the power play is what is noticeable about his work in the playoffs. Seven of his eight postseason points were notched on the man advantage.
His work at the Robertson Cup earned him a spot on the All-Tournament Team in Blaine, Minnesota, and helped his team head to the championship game.
Hauser states his excitement to be committed to a program close to home.
“I’m very excited for my time at St. Cloud. Growing up so close to campus and watching many of their games over the years has made this whole experience really special. I am also looking forward to working with Nick Oliver and the rest of the staff. I have really enjoyed all the conversations I’ve had with him throughout this process.”
Zach Stepan shares what it means to see Hauser receive this opportunity by the St. Cloud State program.
“We are extremely excited for Matt Hauser and believe this opportunity is very well deserved. Matt was a player we identified and targeted following the high school season, and from the moment he joined our group, he made an immediate impact. He was a major part of our success down the stretch and played a key role in helping lead our playoff run as far as it went.”
Hockey is a family affair for Hauser because his dad, Adam Hauser, had a four-year career at the University of Minnesota as the goaltender for the Golden Gophers.
Hauser is one of nine members of the Minnesota Wilderness to make a Division I college hockey commitment.
Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list
