Austin Forward Paddington makes NCAA DI Commitment

The Austin Bruins of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are proud to announce that forward EJ Paddington has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for St. Cloud State University in the NCHC.

The 6-foot-4 left-handed forward from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Paddington will join the Huskies at St. Cloud State this upcoming fall. Paddington is a second-year veteran of the Austin Bruins, skating in 132 career games in the Gold and Black. This past season, the ‘05 forward exploded on the scoresheet in the regular season and broke organization records in doing so. He now holds the Bruins’ single-season goal record of 38 tallies and notched the all-time goal record with 58 tallies between his two seasons with the Central Division club. During the regular season, Paddington was just as effective at logging assists as he recorded 34 helpers for the Bruins, a career-best during his time in the League of Opportunity.

The ‘05 forward was the leader in the NAHL for the 2025-26 season with 21 power-play goals in the regular season. His effectiveness on the man advantage helped to lift the Bruins to a spot at the Robertson Cup in Blaine, Minnesota.

Paddington was one game shy of playing every regular season contest for the Bruins this past season, and his offensive numbers show his impact for the Central Division team. He ranked third overall on his roster with 72 points in the regular season, and Paddington was tied third overall in the NAHL with his 38 goals on the season. The Thunder Bay, Ontario, skater featured a staggering +43 rating on the ice, and his work earned him recognition throughout the season. He was named a Central Division Star of the Week on Dec. 22, 2025, for his five-point weekend against the Aberdeen Wings. Additionally, Paddington was named a Top Prospect for the annual Top Prospects Tournament. He played for the Central Division team at the USA Hockey Arena and got the opportunity to play against some of the best uncommitted talent that the NAHL has to offer.

In the postseason, Paddington played a critical role in helping the Bruins secure a spot at the Robertson Cup Championship event. In 10 playoff contests, the 21-year-old recorded a team-leading 11 points, tallying six goals and five assists. He was extremely effective on the man advantage, with four of his goals being scored on the power play.

For the season, Paddington was a regular on the scoresheet, recording a point in 46 contests. In addition, the ‘05 skater had 20 multi-point games for the Bruins, playing a big offensive role when he was on the ice for the Central Division club.

Paddington shares his excitement to join the Huskies this upcoming fall.

“It means a lot to me to be able to have this opportunity. It’s something I’ve been working toward for a long time. I’m really grateful for the chance to play at the highest collegiate level.”

In Paddington’s debut season in the League of Opportunity, the Thunder Bay, Ontario, native recorded 53 points in 64 games played. He tallied 21 goals in his debut season while notching 32 assists for the Minnesota-based team. Paddington ranked third on his roster in the 2024-25 season with 53 points for the Bruins.

Head coach of the Bruins, Steve Howard, explains why the organization is thrilled to see Paddington earn this opportunity.

“We’re really excited for EJ and his family. This is something he’s worked toward and waited for a long time, and he’s earned every bit of it. From the day he got to Austin, he’s been a great teammate, an incredible competitor, and someone who set the standard with how he came to the rink every day. To leave here as both our single-season and all-time goals leader speaks to the consistency and passion he brought, but what I’ll remember most is the impact he had on our locker room and the culture of our team. St. Cloud State is getting a tremendous player and an even better person. We’re proud of EJ and can’t wait to see what he accomplishes with this opportunity at the next level.” 

Playing Division I hockey runs in the family as Paddington’s older sister, Alexis Paddington had a four-year career at Minnesota State University.

Paddington is one of eight members of the Austin Bruins to make a Division I college commitment.

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list