Maine Forward McNaughton makes NCAA Commitment

The Maine Nordiques of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are proud to announce that forward Connor McNaughton has committed to play NCAA hockey for St. Olaf College in the MIAC.

The 6’1 lefty from Simpsonville, South Carolina is heading to skate with the Oles in the fall in Northfield, Minnesota. McNaughton is a third-year veteran of the NAHL, having played a total of 185 games in the league. This past season he laced up in 70 games with the Nordiques. The ‘04 forward found the back of the net 12 times and produced 17 assists. Two of his goals were scored on the man advantage while two were the decider in contests. 

Before skating in the East Division, McNaughton played with the Amarillo Wranglers for two seasons. In the 2023-24 season, the South Carolina native hit the ice in 62 games with the Wranglers. He tallied 14 goals and 18 assists with the South Division team. In his debut season in the NAHL, the 20-year-old hit the ice in 53 games with Amarillo. McNaughton scored 11 times and produced seven assists in his rookie season. Three of his goals were named the game-winning goal, while one was scored on the power play. 

McNaughton will join five fellow NAHL players in the fall. Heading to St. Olaf College with him are Cody Kempf from the Corpus Christi IceRays, Eli Miller from the North Iowa Bulls, Evan Smutney from the Colorado Grit, Ryan Nolan from the Northeast Generals, and Hunter Hayes from the Wisconsin Windigo.

Head Coach of the Nordiques, Nick Skrelick, shares what he has seen from McNaughton this season.

Connor is a special piece in the locker room, a second-half danger in any division, and a high-IQ, low-risk player. Any NCAA program is lucky to have him. Originating from a Greer South Carolina youth program, the resiliency and underdog mentality to improve is always there. We are excited for the McNaughton family with Connor’s journey continuing at a high level.  

McNaughton is one of the thirteen members of the Maine Nordiques to make a college hockey commitment.

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list