Springfield Defenseman Martikainen Makes NCAA Commitment

The Springfield Jr. Blues of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are proud to announce that defenseman Aaron Martikainen has committed to play NCAA hockey for the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in the WIAC.

The 5-foot-11 lefty from Espoo, Finland, Martikainen joins the Falcons in Wisconsin this upcoming fall. Martikainen wrapped up his age-out season of junior hockey playing in the League of Opportunity. The ‘05 blueliner started his year with the Lone Star Brahmas in the South Division following being drafted by the team in the 2025 NAHL Entry Draft. He laced up in 32 contests, recording eight points for the team. He scored two goals while producing six assists for the Texas-based team. He would then be acquired in January by the Springfield Jr. Blues, where he would finish out his season in the Midwest Division. Martikainen played in 24 games for the longest-running team in the NAHL, logging six points for the club. He tallied a goal while recording five assists for the team.

Martikainen 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.

Martikainen is one of 11 members of the Springfield Jr. Blues to make a college ice hockey commitment.

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list