Odessa forward Winkelmann makes NCAA DI commitment
April 30, 2019
Ladder of Development: Odessa forward Joseph Winkelmann played two full seasons in the NAPHL prior to his rookie season this year in the NAHL. That included back-to-back appearances in NAPHL All-Star Games.
The Odessa Jackalopes of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are proud to announce that forward Joseph Winkelmann has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey at Bentley University, a member of Atlantic Hockey.
Winkelmann, 18, was acquired by the Jacks before the trade deadline in February from the Austin Bruins in exchange for forwards Jared Christy and Kyle Herbster.
The 5’11/175 lbs. native of St. Louis, Missouri, played 21 games for Odessa accumulating 12 goals, 18 assists for 30 points. For the entirety of his 58 game rookie season Winkelmann netted 18 goals and 35 assists for a total of 53 points.
He finished the season as Odessa's leading scorer and 4th in North American Hockey League rookie scoring for the 2018-19 season. On Monday, he was named to the South Division All-Rookie Team.
Winkelmann is another great example of the NAPHL to NAHL Ladder of Development. Winkelmann played in the NAPHL for two full season for the CarShield AAA program. During the 2017-18 season, he was named to the All-NAPHL 18U 1st Team and the Academic Honor Roll. He also appeared in the 2018 NAPHL 18U All-Star Game and 2017 NAPHL 16U All-Star Game.
Overall in his two NAPHL seasons, Winkelmann played in 40 games and recorded 69 points.
Winkelmann joins fellow teammate Vilho Saariluoma in committing to Bentley. Winkelmann is also the fifth Jackalope from last season's team to commit to a NCAA Division I institution and the sixth to make a college commitment.
