Odessa forward Sjodahl makes NCAA DI commitment
February 2, 2016
By Nick Nollenberger, Odessa Jackalopes
The Odessa Jackalopes, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), are excited to announce that center Hampus Sjodahl has committed to play NCAA Hockey at Division I Bemidji State University (WCHA) beginning in the 2016-17 season.
"Bemidji gave me an offer that was too good to pass up. It was an easy decision for me and my family. I know Bemidji has had a ton of success in the past, and I’m honored to join such a great program," said Sjodahl.
When asked about how Odessa prepared him for this opportunity, Sjodahl said, “Playing for the Jackalopes has helped me grow both as a person and as a player. I have developed a ton, and I am very thankful for the support I’ve been given by coach Gatto and the entire Jackalopes organization.
The Stockholm, Sweden native has been arguably Odessa’s best player this season in his second year with the club. Through 35 games, Sjodahl leads the team in goals (18), points (37), plus-minus (+11), power-play goals (6), power-play assists (5), shorthanded goals (3), shorthanded assists (3), and is tied for the team lead in game-winning goals (2). At Bemidji State, Sjodahl will compete against current teammates Danny Kiraly and Cooper Zech (Alaska-Fairbanks) in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA).
Sjodahl, 20, was selected to the 2016 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament to play for the South Division team.
Sjodahl’s commitment makes him the eighth player on the Jacks roster committed to a Division I program, joining forwards Jon Russell (Harvard), Derek Brown (Niagara), Pierce Pluemer (Air Force), defenseman Danny Kiraly (Alaska-Fairbanks), Cooper Zech (Alaska-Fairbanks), Ben DiMaio (Dartmouth) and goaltender Dean Shatzer (Dartmouth).
“Hampus has taken his game to another level this year. Bemidji is getting one heck of a player and person. If he keeps developing he has a chance to play pro hockey one day with his skill set, work ethic and size,” said Jacks head coach Greg Gatto.
