New Mexico forward Metz makes NCAA DI commitment

The New Mexico Ice Wolves of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are pleased to announce that forward JD Metz has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for the University of St. Thomas in the CCHA.

Metz, 20, is currently in his second and final season playing junior hockey in the NAHL for the Ice Wolves. The 6’1/185 lbs. native of Mahtomedi, MN, is having a very good season thus far in 2022-23 with 21 points (3 goals, 18 assists) in 23 games played to date.

“I’m proud and honored to announce my commitment to play Division 1 college hockey and further my education at the University of St. Thomas. A very special thank you to all my teammates, coaches, friends, and family for helping me get to this point. Excited for what’s next!” said Metz on social media.

“He’s got some size, but JD has also got the intangibles that not a lot of guys want to bring — compete hard all the time, gritty, finishing checks, blocking shots, kind of the heart and sleeve of the game. That’s what JD represents,” said New Mexico coach Phil Fox to The Rink Live. “He’s been our top center … He’s playing with some good players, distributing the puck well and sticking to his game. He didn’t change what he does, he’s just doing what he does well and has gotten rewarded for it.”

During the 2021-22 season, Metz put up 17 points in 54 regular season games with the Ice Wolves. During the 2022 Robertson Cup Playoffs he had two points and played in all 13 games.

Prior to playing in the NAHL, Metz spent three seasons playing high school hockey in Minnesota for Mahtomedi High, where he served as team captain his senior season.

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list