El Paso Forward Winklemann makes NCAA Commitment

Photo Credit: Shae Herman

The El Paso Rhinos of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are proud to announce that forward Benjamin Winklemann has committed to play NCAA hockey for Lawrence University in the NCHA.

The 5’11 lefty from St. Louis, Missouri, is heading to Appleton, Wisconsin, to skate with the Vikings in the fall. Winklemann is a first-year skater on the Rhinos, joining the roster in early January. The ‘04 forward hit the ice in 30 games, tallying five goals and seven assists. Winklemann is the second in his family to play in the NAHL, with his older brother Benjamin Winklemann playing in the 2018-19 season with the Austin Bruins and Odessa Jackalopes. 

The St. Louis, Missouri native is an example of the ladder of development that the NAHL promotes. He played with CarShield for two seasons in the NAPHL.

Winklemann will join his fellow teammate Cade DeWolf and Michael Valdez from the Corpus Christi IceRays this upcoming fall.

Head coach of the Rhinos, Mike Rivera, shares his excitement for Winklemann in taking his next step in his hockey career.

“We are excited for Winks. He joined us midseason and quickly became an everyday guy for us, filling multiple roles. Winks' hockey IQ is high-level, and his ability to adapt to our division became a huge value for us down the stretch. He quietly made some of the most impactful plays that helped secure a playoff spot and get us to game three in the first round. Winks will have a lot of success at the NCAA level.”

Winklemann is one of eleven members of the El Paso Rhinos to make a college ice hockey commitment.

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list