Minot goaltender Norton makes NCAA DI commitment

The Minot Minotauros of the North American Hockey League are proud to announce that goaltender James Norton has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey at the University of Massachusetts (UMass) in Hockey East.  Norton becomes the first Minotauro to committed to UMass.

Norton, 20, in his first season as a Tauro, has gone 4-2-1 in goal for the Tauros with a .922 save percentage and 1.63 goals against average so far this season. 

The success UMass has had in recent years was a big draw for the big goaltender. “The hockey program at UMass was extremely exciting for me from the start. They won a national championship just a few years ago and have been quite successful in producing pro hockey caliber players. Everything I’ve heard, seen and learned about the program has been extremely exciting and presents a great opportunity for me as a player and student,” said Norton.

Once on campus Norton intends on studying business, economics, or marketing.

Cody Campbell, Tauros Head Coach/General Manager stated, “we are thrilled for James with his commitment to UMass. James is a very mature and dedicated person and goalie. UMass can expect someone that will consistently show up to work on his craft while being a very stable presence in the locker room. We are excited to continue to help James prepare for the next set in his career at UMass.”

Despite being a first year Tauro Norton believes his time in Minot was essential to getting this opportunity.

“Being a Tauro helped me in achieving this goal by having great coaching staff and teammates to help me and challenge me day in and day out. The development and opportunities available to me through the team have helped me tremendously in reaching this point,” said Norton. “I’d like to thank my parents Matthew and Caroline, my brother Luca, the rest of my extended family, all of my current and previous coaches and teammates, and all the other countless people who have helped me get to this point.”

Norton is the sixth member of the 2023-24 Minotauros roster who is committed to play NCAA Division I hockey.

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list