Minot defenseman LaDouce makes NCAA DI commitment

March 18, 2016

The Minot Minotauros, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), are pleased to announce that defenseman James LaDouce has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks for next season. Alaska-Fairbanks are members of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA).

 

A native of Freeland, Michigan, LaDouce (5’11/185) is in his first season with the Minotauros.  He represented Minot at the 2016 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament, playing for the Central Division team, where he had a goal and an assist in two wins.  

 

LaDouce, 20, who has 31 points on nine goals and 22 assists this season, is on pace to break John Lizotte’s franchise record of 34 points in a season by a defenseman.  Six of LaDouce’s nine goals have been game-winners, which is a Minotauros franchise record. 

 

Minot head coach Marty Murray stated the following, “James is very deserving of this commitment. James has handled himself extremely well and he’s worked very hard.  It is fun to see a kid progress like this.”  

 

LaDouce posted a goal and six assists last season for the Lincoln Stars of the USHL.

 

I want to thanks the coaches in Minot for helping me develop as a player,” said LaDouce. “ I have been talking with Alaska-Fairbanks for a few weeks. It is a chance for me to go in and play right away as a freshman. I’m excited to go there, as it will be a new and unique experience.”  

 

“I also want to thank my teammates, my parents, my brother and sister, who have been great role models, as well as, the Minotauros organization who has been great to me,” said LaDouce.

 

LaDouce becomes seventh current or former Minotauros player to make an NCAA Division I commitment this season.