El Paso defenseman Carpenter makes NCAA commitment

The El Paso Rhinos of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are pleased to announce that defenseman Ian Carpenter has committed to play NCAA Division III hockey for the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

After playing for the Rhinos’ NA3HL team during the 2020-21 season, Carpenter was tendered by the Rhinos’ NAHL team for his final year of junior hockey. In 54 games this season, the stay-at-home defenseman has tallied 3 goals and 6 assists.

The UW-Eau Claire’s academic excellence and hockey program’s success helped the Illinois-native decide on the university. “I chose Eau Claire because, academically and athletically, it was the best fit for me,” Carpenter said. “I would like to thank my family, coaches, teammates, and friends for helping me get where I am today.”

“We’re really happy for Ian,” Rhino Head Coach Anthony Bohn said. “He’s a player who transitioned into the NA3HL during a season altered by COVID and then worked his way onto our NAHL team. Ian truly understands what it means to be a Rhino. He’s a team leader that works hard every shift. The entire organization is excited that Ian will continue his career in college.”

Carpenter began his NAHL career with the Jamestown Rebels in 2018-19 season, appearing in 8 games and recording three points.

In 2019-20, he played in 46 games in the NAHL for the Rebels and had five points. Carpenter began the 2020-21 season with the Wichita Falls Warriors, appearing in seven games, and then would join the Rhinos NA3HL team for the remainder of the season.

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire plays in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC), a league comprised of teams in Wisconsin and Minnesota. This year, the Blugolds finished the season on a seven-game win streak that led them to become the Commissioner’s Cup Champions for the fourth time in eight years.

Carpenter is now one of four current Rhinos committed to play hockey in college. Jonathan Horn will join the Air Force Academy’s hockey program, Jan Olenginski will play at St. Lawrence University and age-out Jacob Zacharewicz will lace up his skates at Brown University next season.

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list