Maryland defenseman VanDamme makes NCAA DI commitment

The Maryland Black Bears of the North American Hockey League are pleased to announce that Top Prospects defenseman Gunnar VanDamme has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for the University of Alaska-Anchorage.

VanDamme, 20, is in his second season of junior hockey and first in the NAHL with the Black Bears. The 6’0/190 lbs. native of Pittsford, NY, had a very good season during the 2022-23 campaign, recording 28 points (3 goals, 25 assists) in 58 regular season games.

VanDamme was also selected to and played in the 2023 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament, where he had one goal in two games.

So far through two games of the Robertson Cup Playoffs, he is one of the team leaders with three points.

“I’m grateful for this opportunity and excited to get started! I’d like to thank my family, friends, coaches, teammates, and everyone else who has helped and supported me along the way,” said VanDamme.

“Gunnar is one of the most skilled defensemen to put on the Maryland Black Bears uniform. Not only that, but our players/staff highly respect and appreciate him as a person and teammate. He puts his work boots on every day and has been a great addition to our team. UAA is getting a quality human being, and very high-level player. Congratulations to Gunnar and his family,” said Black Bears head coach Clint Mylymok.

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list