Wisconsin defenseman Begley makes NCAA DI commitment

The Wisconsin Windigo of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are pleased to announce that defenseman Axel Begley has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for the University of Minnesota in the B1G.

Begley, 19, led all Windigo defensemen in points during the 2022-23 regular season with 9 goals and 28 assists for 37 points.  He was also the team’s +/- leader at +33.  The 6’2/200 lbs. native of Mahtomedi, MN, competed in 7 Robertson Cup Playoff games for the Windigo, registering 2 assists.

He was named the Midwest Division Star of the Week for April 3-9, 2023, where he put up three assists in two games.

“I am proud and honored to receive a commitment to play college hockey at the University of Minnesota.  I would like to thank my family, friends, and coaches who have all helped and supported me throughout my life and development as a student/athlete.  It was a dream of mine to play hockey for the Gophers,” stated Begley.

During Begley’s rookie season in the NAHL in 2021-22, he appeared in 28 regular season games for the Minnesota Magicians and recorded four points. During that same season, he also played high school hockey in Minnesota for Hill-Murray where he served as team captain his senior season.

“I’m thrilled for Axel to have the opportunity to continue his development as a player and student at Minnesota.  Axel was a tremendous asset for us throughout the past season. It’s great to see his efforts get rewarded with an invitation to join such a prestigious college hockey program. He will be missed, but we wish him the best throughout the next phase of his career,” said Windigo head coach Blake Hietala.

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list