Lone Star forward Bottrell makes NCAA commitment

June 14, 2018

The Lone Star Brahmas of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are pleased to announce that forward Austin Bottrell has committed to play NCAA Division III hockey at Adrian College in 2018-19.

 

The dynamic 5'11/175 lbs. forward faced some adversity this season, as he was sidelined by injury for a good portion of his year. When he was in the lineup, though, he was one of the most effective players on the ice, leading the team in points-per-game during the regular season with ten goals and 13 assists in just 34 games.

 

“It was definitely tough [missing so many games], but everyone was really supportive,” Bottrell said. “At the beginning of the season, the team helped out with contacting the right doctors and the coaches and all the guys were always making sure I understood all the systems so that when I came back I would fit right in, and that was pretty much what happened.”

 

Bottrell did, in fact, fit right in. He made his Brahmas debut during the second home game of the season, and promptly rattled off six points in his first seven games.

 

As the season progressed, he continued to be a threat every time he hit the ice, and was particularly lethal with the extra space available during 3-on-3 overtime, registering a primary point on four of five overtime game-winning goals.

 

“Even with the injury later in the year, I just knew I’d have to make the most of my time while I was playing, so when I was out there I just tried to give it my all,” Bottrell said.

 

Despite the bumps in the road this season, Bottrell is grateful for his time in Texas. “Dan and Justin were definitely the best coaches i’ve had in junior hockey and I definitely learned to play the game the right way,” he said. “I probably had my most fun this year and this was the most talented group of players I’ve had, so it was good.”

 

With his junior career in the books, the native of Farmington Hills, Michigan, is looking forward to making the next step. “I think I’m definitely ready to move on to the next level and start my college career,” he said.

 

For Bottrell, Adrian has always been a destination of interest. “Ever since I started playing juniors, Adrian was a goal,” Bottrell said. “So I’m happy to be headed there.

 

For now, along with playing hockey, Bottrell plans to study business. “I haven’t completely decided yet,” he said. “But I plan to study business. I’m really interested in sports, so maybe sports marketing or something like that.”

 

Bottrell will head to Adrian in the fall, where he will join former Brahmas Bud Madej and Jared Domin.