Wilderness forward Wolthers makes NCAA DI commitment

The Minnesota Wilderness, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), have announced that veteran forward Ethan Wolthers has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for Western Michigan University of the NCHC. 

The 5’8/170 lbs. native of Valencia, CA, is currently in his fourth season of junior hockey and second season in the NAHL with the Wilderness.  His 13 points leads all Wilderness scorers through the team’s 10 games played during the 2021-22 season.  He also leads in assists with 9. He was named the Central Division’s Star of the Week for the week of September 27-October 3.

It’s a double-win for Wolthers, as he was also just named team captain.

“We are extremely happy for Ethan.  He is an outstanding example of hard work and perseverance. Ethan’s hockey journey has been full of peaks and valleys, but like in life as well as hockey he has learned to keep moving forward and have faith that good things will happen if you work for them.  His teammates have also recognized his dedication to his goals as well as being the ultimate team player as they have unanimously voted him in as team captain.  Ethan has a very bright future.  We are thrilled he is going to an outstanding school to play in one of the best conferences in college hockey,” said Wilderness Head Coach and General Manager Dave Boitz.

In his first season with the Wilderness in 2020-21, Wolthers played in 43 games, recording 7 goals and 11 assists for 18 points. As a youth, he was a champion BMX bike rider before he began playing hockey at age 12.

Wolthers becomes the 2nd Wilderness player to commit to be a WMU Bronco.  Defenseman Trevor Mitchell is also set to play his college hockey at the school in Kalamazoo, MI.  Other current Wilderness players committed to Division 1 institutions include defensemen Cole Crusberg-Roseen (UMass-Amherst) and Bobby Metz (Colgate) as well as goaltender Jacob Zacharewicz (Brown).

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list