Amarillo forward Skrastins makes NCAA DI commitment

The Amarillo Wranglers of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are pleased to announce that forward Kristaps Skrastins has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for the University of New Hampshire, becoming the first player in the young Wranglers franchise to make a college commitment.

The 5’11/180 lbs. forward from Riga, Latvia, has garnered plenty of attention through the first month of the season, collecting 17 points in the first 10 games in a Wrangler’s uniform. The high-powered forward is excited about the opportunity to play college hockey in North America.

“It is such good hockey. Everyone I know that has played division one hockey said it is the most amazing four years,” Skrastins said

The Wildcats play in the Hockey East Conference and are eight-time regular-season conference champions. The Wildcats have also won the Hockey East Conference tournament three times. During his visit, Skrastins was impressed with the atmosphere surrounding the program.

“I like the coaches and the campus. I got to watch two games there, and the fans were amazing,” Skrastins said.

Skrastins was named the NAHL’s Forward of the Month in September. Skrastins, 19, led the NAHL in scoring during the month with 14 points (9 goals, 5 assists) in six games played. He was honored as the NAHL’s South Division Star of the Week in back-to-back weeks and four multi-point games during the month.

“All the great players find ways to help their team when it matters most. Kristaps’ electrifying start to our inaugural season has energized our team and has infused new life into the Amarillo hockey community and fan base. The sky is the limit for this young man,” said Wranglers head coach Harry Mahood.

UNH has made 21 NCAA tournament appearances; in seven of those appearances, the Wildcats made it to the Frozen Four. The Wildcats are led by Mike Souza who is in his fourth season as the UNH head coach. Souza is very familiar with the UNH hockey program as a UNH graduate and an associate coach for three years prior to being named head coach.

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list