Odessa forward Hoyord makes NCAA DI commitment
The Odessa Jackalopes, a proud member of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), would like to congratulate Top Prospects forward Dayne Hoyord on his commitment to play NCAA Division I hockey for Army in Atlantic Hockey. Hoyord becomes the fourth Jackalopes player to commit this season.
“I am very proud and honored to announce my commitment to play Division I college hockey at Army West Point. I would like to thank my family, coaches, teammates, and friends for all of their help along the way,” said Hoyord.
Hoyord, 19, is in his second season in the NAHL. He has played in 98 NAHL games all of which have been for the Jacks. He is currently tied for third on the team in points (27). The Scandinavia, WI native leads the team in goals with 18. The 5’10”/195 lbs. right-handed forward has two career hat tricks which both came this season.
Hoyord has been to the last two NAHL Top Prospects Tournaments in 2022 and 2021, totaling four games and earning two points (1g, 1a) for the South Division team both times.
He was also awarded honorable mention for February Forward of the Month after tallying eight points in eight games (6g, 2a). He also had his career-long point streak this season-spanning five games from October 1-16, 2021 (6g, 2a). Hoyord leads the Jacks in game-winning goals with four.
“We are very excited for Dayne and this opportunity for him to play at Army. He has been great for us all year. We are looking forward to seeing how he develops through the rest of the season and to be able to watch him play at the collegiate level,” said Odessa Head Coach Scott Deur.
Last season was Hoyord’s first year in the NAHL and he played a total of 52 games (7g, 12a). He finished fourth that season in scoring. Before entering the NAHL and playing junior hockey, Hoyord played spent two seasons playing for Stevens Points Area High (USHS-WI) from 2017-2019 (68gp, 59g, 56a).
Army is in West Point, NY. The Black Knights are a member of the Atlantic Hockey Association (AHA). Army began its first season back in 1903-04. They have had one player reach the National Hockey League (Dan Hinote). They won their Conference Regular Season Championship in 2007-08. Brian Riley has been their coach for the last 17 years (214-290-83). His brother, Rob Riley, coached at Army for 18 years (1986-04). Their father, Jack Riley, spent 36 seasons as the coach for Army (1950-86). Jack is the only person from Army to be inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame, IIHF Hall of Fame, and the Army Sports Hall of Fame. Hoyord will now join Odessa Jackalope alumni, Michael Sacco, and Eric Huss.
Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list