Odessa forward Doherty makes NCAA commitment

The Odessa Jackalopes of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are pleased to announce that forward Ben Doherty has committed to play NCAA Division III hockey for Bethel University.

“It was kind of a long process,” Doherty said. “I’ve been talking to Bethel for a little of a year now it seems to be a good fit for me, it’s close to home and I really like the coaching staff there and I like what they’re doing so I’m excited to be a a part of it.”

The 6’0/185 lbs. native of Alexandria, Minnesota, came to the Jackalopes in January of 2020, he played in the remaining 19 games of the regular season, earning four points before the season was prematurely canceled due to COVID 19.

So far during the current 2020-21 season, Doherty, 20, earned an assistant captain’s designation, a much improved offensive output (six goals, seven assists to date) and a constant presence in the lineup for Odessa. Doherty’s 46 games played so far this season ties him for first on the Jackalopes.

“Ben’s been a great character kid, he has that soldier mindset,” said Jackalopes head coach Jason Frotier. “He puts the work-boots on, goes out and competes, does a really good job along the boards goes to the dirty areas and that’s something you’re looking for in a veteran presence.”

Bethel University is located in Arden Hills, Minnesota. The Royals play at the Division III level and are a part of the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

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