North Iowa Defenseman Johnson makes NCAA DI Commitment

Photo Credit: Joel Krustinger of North Iowa Event Photography

The North Iowa Bulls of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are proud to announce that defenseman Evan Johnson has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for Northern Michigan University in the CCHA.

Johnson is a third-year veteran in the league and this past season he served as an Assistant Captain for North Iowa. This year, the Minnesota native laced up for 54 games with the Bulls and tallied six goals and 31 assists. Johnson started his season with the Minnesota Wilderness where he hit the ice for two games and produced an assist. On the North Iowa roster, Johnson ranks second with his 32 assists on the year and leads defensemen with six goals. The 5’10 righty additionally ranks third for North Iowa skaters with his 38 total points on the year. Johnson was also named as a 2025 Top Prospect for the Central Division team at the 2025 Top Prospects Tournament. 

In the 2023-2024 season, Johnson played with the Philadelphia Rebels in 15 games. The ‘04 skater found the back of the net with two goals and three assists while featuring a +3 rating. He made his NAHL debut in the 2022-2023 season with North Iowa and played in two games as a call-up from the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite 18U program.

Head coach of the Bulls, Nick Bruneteau, explains what he has seen from Johnson this season.

“Evan had a phenomenal season for us. Nobody works harder than him. His competitiveness and work ethic were unmatched. He was a constant source of production on the power play and contributed in all situations. We are thrilled with his commitment and look forward to watching him at Northern Michigan.”

Johnson is the second member of the North Iowa Bulls to make a Division I hockey college commitment.

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list