Kenai River forward Helgeson makes NCAA DI commitment

The Kenai River Brown Bears of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are pleased to announce that forward Max Helgeson has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for Lindenwood University.

Lindenwood is a new NCAA program and will field an NCAA Division I men's team beginning in the 2022-23 season.

Helgeson, 20, is in his third season of playing junior hockey in the NAHL. The 6’1/185 lbs. native of Anchorage, AK, is currently the Brown Bears leading scorer. Through 34 games so far during the 2020-21 season, Helgeson has posted 32 points (15 goals, 17 assists).

Helgeson made his NAHL debut during the 2018-19 season with the Janesville Jets. He also played that season with the Jamestown Rebels in the NAHL, along with the Wisconsin Whalers in the NA3HL.

He then played the 2019-20 season with the Brown Bears, having a breakout season with 44 points in 50 games played. Overall in 94 career NAHL games, he has recorded 79 points.

“Max has come a very long way over these past two years. His work ethic has allowed him to continue to develop and earn this opportunity at the NCAA D1 level. Max is a very smart player and consistent player. He has made the most of every opportunity during his time with the Brown Bears. After attending a Pre-Draft and Main Camp in the summer of 2019, he earned an opportunity with our team in Training Camp and hasn’t looked back since. We are really looking forward to following Max in the next step of his career,” said Brown Bears head coach Kevin Murdock.

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list