Odessa defenseman Arneson makes NCAA commitment

The Odessa Jackalopes, a proud member of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), would like to congratulate defenseman Blake Arneson on his commitment to playing NCAA Division III hockey for Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Arneson is now the eighth Jackalopes player to commit from the 2022-23 season.

Arneson, 20, just completed his fifth and final season in the NAHL. The Red Wing, MN native started his NAHL career in 2018-19 after playing three games with the Bismarck Bobcats.

The following season the 5’10”/190lb. left-handed defenseman played one game for Bismarck before joining the Northeast Generals and playing in 24 games (2 assists) for them.

Arneson started the 2020-21 season playing ten games for the Wichita Falls Warriors and would later play one game for the Austin Bruins.

In 2021-22, Arneson combined for a total of 53 NAHL games (3 goals, 11 assists) with the El Paso Rhinos, Jamestown Rebels, and Minot Minotauros.

Arneson would spend his final year of junior hockey in a Jackalopes jersey. He went on to play in 42 games (5 assists) during the 2022-23 season.

Arneson ends his NAHL career with 134 games played and 21 points (3 goals, 18 assists).

Arneson also spent time in the NA3HL with the Rochester Grizzlies and played two seasons in the NAPHL for Sioux Falls.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is located in Winona, Minnesota. The Cardinals play in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC). Last season they finished with a record of 11-13-1. They are led by Head Coach Ryan Egan, who just completed his fourth year behind the bench (33-47-4).

Arneson stated this regarding his commitment, “I am very excited to commit to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. I would like to thank my parents, family, teammates, coaches, and everyone who has helped me along the way in my hockey career.”

Head Coach Scott Deur stated this regarding Arneson’s commitment, “We are really excited for Blake to further his education and hockey career at Saint Mary’s University. We have no doubt that he will do great things and we are excited to see what his future holds.”

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list