Austin's Christian Folin commits to UMASS-Lowell

When he moved halfway around the world two years ago from his hometown, Christian Folin was hoping to land on a Division I college hockey team.

Now, after a season and a half of playing forward for the Austin Bruins, Folin, a native of Gothenberg, Sweden, has made that dream a reality as he has committed to play hockey at Division I University of Massachusets-Lowell with a partial athletic scholarship.

“I got a feeling that they really wanted me and they wanted to be part of my development,” Folin said of UML.

Folin recently participated in the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament.  He helped team Central to an undefeated record and win the Top Prospects title.  He also tied for the tournament lead in scoring for all defensemen with four points.

Since coming to Austin back in 2010, he’s enjoyed his time, but there’s one thing he can’t seem to replace from back home.

“I’ve been having the time of my life in Austin and I’m enjoying every second of it,” Folin said. “But being away from my mom’s food is a big change. I grew up with and I miss it, but at least I have skype to talk to her and that helps a lot.”

Austin head coach Chris Tok said Folin should fit in well with the River Hawks next season.

“Christian has worked very diligently at learning the North American style of hockey and now he has four more years to develop into a professional hockey player,” Tok said. “The whole recruiting process has been a new experience for Christian and he is extremely happy he now knows where he will be playing next year.”

Folin has 18 goals and 11 assists this season for Austin, which will play at Minot, N.D. this Thursday and Friday.