New Mexico Defenseman Bickler makes NCAA Commitment

The New Mexico Ice Wolves of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are proud to announce that defenseman Damon Bickler has committed to play NCAA hockey for the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in the WIAC. 

The 21-year-old from the Lone Star State, Bickler will continue his hockey career with the Falcons in the fall. Bickler just wrapped up his third and final season of junior hockey with the Ice Wolves. He was a 2023 ninth-round draftee by the New Mexico Ice Wolves in the NAHL Entry Draft. This past season, the 5-foot-9 skater laced up in 54 regular season games. He scored a goal and produced 12 assists for the South Division team from the blue line. In addition, he registered a team-leading +16 rating. 

During his 2024-25 campaign, the Flower Mound, Texas native skated for the Ice Wolves in 51 contests. The blueliner tallied three goals and notched 18 assists for the Ice Wolves in his second season. One of his three goals was scored in shorthanded fashion for New Mexico. Additionally, Bickler ranked third overall on his roster for scoring amongst defensemen that season.

In his debut season in the League of Opportunity, the ‘05 blueliner played in 48 games for New Mexico. He scored his first NAHL goal and secured five assists during the 2023-24 season.

For his NAHL career, the Texan played 156 career games, registering 40 points in that span. He scored five career goals and made 35 career assists for the Ice Wolves. 

In addition, the longtime NAHL skater will join his New Mexico teammate, Brady Borgestad at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

Bickler will join more than 20 NAHL alumni currently on the roster at UW-River Falls.

UW-River Falls, located just 30 minutes from the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, competes in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) and is a 19-time WIAC champion. The three-time NCAA national champions play their home games at the brand-new, $65 million W.H. Hunt Arena, located directly on campus.

Bickler is one of 14 members of the New Mexico Ice Wolves to make a college ice hockey commitment.

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list