Anchorage forward Bauer makes NCAA commitment
The Anchorage Wolverines of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are pleased to announce that forward Kyle Bauer has committed to play NCAA Division III hockey for the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire for the 2023-24 season.
Bauer, 20, had nine goals and 17 assists for 26 total points during his 53 games played for the Wolverines during the 2022-23 season, which was his lone season in the NAHL. This past season was his only in the NAHL, but Bauer climbed the ladder of development quickly and became a key part of Anchorage’s forward group in 2022-23.
“Over the last few years Kyle has made big strides in his game, from winning rookie of the year in the NA3HL to making our club,” said head coach Nick Walters. “Eau Claire is getting a player who is crafty in the offensive zone with his playmaking abilities, but also someone who is sneaky on the back check and creates turnovers.”
During the 2021-22 season, the 5’11/170 lbs. native of Hastings, MN, played in the NA3HL for the Rochester Grizzlies, helping them to the Fraser Cup Championship. He was named the 2021-22 NA3HL Rookie of the Year and named to the All-NA3HL 1st Team as he led the Grizzlies in scoring during the regular season with 55 points (24 goals, 31 assists) in 42 games played. He also made his NAHL debut with the Austin Bruins. During the Grizzlies playoff run to the Fraser Cup, Bauer had four points in seven games played.
Director of Hockey Operations Keith Morris echoed Walters’s praise for Bauer. “Kyle came to us from Rochester in NA3HL and he is proof that the NAHL ladder of development is strong. He is an outstanding offensive player and a very strong student. Eau Claire is getting a fantastic student athlete.”
“I picked UW-Eau Claire because of the consistent success and support of their program paired with their strong academic programs,” said Bauer. “It is a university that I feel proud to represent on and off the ice,” said Bauer.
Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list
