Kenai River forward Poellinger makes NCAA commitment

The Kenai River Brown Bears of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are pleased to announce that forward Laudon Poellinger has committed to play NCAA Division III hockey for Saint Mary’s University.

Poellinger, 21, is in his fourth and final season of playing junior hockey and third season playing in the NAHL. The 6’3/220 lbs. native of La Crescent, MN, is serving as team captain this season for Kenai River and has posted 21 points in 47 games played to date during the 2020-21 season.

“Laudon has been a great player on the ice, and even better person off the ice for, the Brown Bears these past three seasons.  His hard work and effort make him very noticeable during games and his commitment to the team/organization is evident daily.  He is a big, strong, aggressive player that makes an impact on the wall and while forechecking.  He plays with passion and heart and we are proud and excited for his collegiate future. Laudon looks forward to playing near his hometown, which provides additional motivation to be successful in his upcoming years at Saint Mary’s,” said Brown Bears General Manager Chris Hedlund.

Poellinger began his junior hockey career in the NA3HL with the La Crosse Freeze during the 2017-18 season, where he recorded 33 points in 45 games played during his rookie season.

He was selected to and played in the 2018 NA3HL Top Prospects Tournament that season for the Selects White team.

During the 2018-19 season, he began the year with Coulee Region in the NA3HL, but then later moved onto the Brown Bears in the NAHL, where he would spend the remainder of his junior career.

Overall in his NAHL career, Poellinger has appeared in 135 career NAHL regular season games and recorded 53 points.

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list