Bismarck forward Jouppi makes NCAA D1 commitment
December 4, 2019
Austin Jouppi played for Team NAHL at the 2019 Sirius Ice Hockey World Cup.
The Bismarck Bobcats of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are pleased to announce that forward and Team NAHL member Austin Jouppi has committed to play NCAA Division 1 hockey for Bemidji State University in the WCHA.
“Coming out of high school I didn’t know what I was going to do, or where I was going to go,” Jouppi said. “The coaches here gave me an opportunity. Nothing was easy, but I worked really hard for it.”
Jouppi, 19, is currently fourth on the Bobcats in scoring, averaging a point per game for Bismarck with 20 points in 20 games played. His 14 assists are second on the team.
“He’s a hard-working character guy that does things the right way,” said Bobcats associate head coach Garrett Roth. “He has a sound 200-foot game that can be effective right from the get-go.”
The 5’9/170 lbs native of Duluth, Minnesota, was the Bobcats’ representative on Team NAHL this summer at the 2019 Sirius World Junior Club World Cup. He had 41 points in 56 games last season as a rookie.
“Bemidji started talking to me last year, and we kept in touch throughout the year,” Jouppi said. “This year they started to watch me a little heavier, and we talked and talked. They decided they were ready to take me in. Bismarck is probably one of the best things that’s ever happened to me. The fans here are something special. It’s nice having the support, and to grow as a player here.”
