Watertown Forward Rice makes NCAA Commitment

The Watertown Shamrocks of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are proud to announce that forward Joe Rice has committed to play NCAA hockey for Gustavus Adolphus College in the MIAC.

The 5-foot-10 lefty from Prior Lake, Minnesota, Rice will join the Golden Gusties in St. Peter, Minnesota, in the fall. Rice finished out his junior hockey career with a career-high season with the Shamrocks. The 21-year-old laced up in 56 regular season contests, recording a team-leading 39 assists while scoring 14 goals for the Central Division team. Rice showed up on the scoresheet continuously throughout the season, ranking second on his roster with 53 points on the season. In addition to his offensive side of his game, Rice recorded a +14 rating when he was on the ice this season, the highest amongst forwards on the Shamrocks. This past season, he recorded four power-play tallies and three game-winning goals with Watertown, the most in both categories during his junior hockey career.

“I chose Gustavus because of its outstanding academics, strong hockey program, and the coaching staff, who made me feel welcomed and confident in my decision from the start,” Rice said. “What stood out most was the culture of the program and the opportunity to develop both as a student and as a hockey player.”

Thanks to his ability on the ice, Rice was named a Top Prospect for the annual Top Prospects Tournament. The State of Hockey skater laced up for two games at the USA Hockey Arena, where he recorded an assist for Team Central.

Rice was also able to help lift the Watertown Shamrocks to their first postseason appearance as an organization. In the three playoff games, the 5-foot-10 lefty scored his first short-handed goal while notching an assist.

“Joe had a significant impact on our team each of the past two seasons,” Shamrocks head coach and general manager Casey Kirley said. “He has a great work ethic and plays with a competitive spirit. Over the last two years, he has rounded out his game and been a major player for us in all situations. We look forward to watching him continue his career at Gustavus.”

In Rice’s rookie season in the League of Opportunity, the Minnesota native played in 51 games with the Shamrocks. The ‘05 skater scored seven tallies while notching 14 assists for the South Dakota-based team. Rice recorded two goals in game-winning fashion while two tallies were lit in power-play fashion.

Prior to the 2024-25 season, Rice got a taste of the NAHL with a two-game call-up to the Chippewa Steel.

As Rice heads to play for the Golden Gusties, he will not be the only Rice to hit the ice. His older brother, Sam Rice, just wrapped up his first season with the Gustavus Adolphus College program.

The second-year Shamrocks veteran shares why having his older brother there played a factor into his commitment.

“Having my brother attend Gustavus was also a big factor. It gives me a firsthand look at the school and everything it has to offer. I’m grateful for the opportunity and excited for what’s ahead.”

Rice is one of 12 members of the Watertown Shamrocks to make a college ice hockey commitment.

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list