Maryland Defenseman Esterbrooks makes NCAA DI Commitmen

The Maryland Black Bears of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are proud to announce that defenseman Will Esterbrooks has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for the University of Alaska-Anchorage.

The 5-foot-10 blueliner from the State of Hockey, Esterbrooks, will join the Seawolves program this fall in Anchorage. Esterbrooks has played games in the NAHL over the span of three seasons. In his 2025-26 campaign, Esterbrooks started his age-out season with the St. Cloud Norsemen. The ‘05 defenseman laced up in 37 games with the Central Division club and recorded nearly a point per game. He lit the lamp on 11 occasions while logging 25 assists for the Black Bears. One of his tallies was scored in deciding fashion while five goals were power-play markers. Esterbrooks would be acquired by Maryland near the trade deadline, where he would go on to skate in 13 games in the regular season. The Hermantown, Minnesota, native tallied three goals and produced 11 assists in that span. One of his tallies with the East Division club was named a game-winning goal for the Black Bears, while two were scored on the man advantage.

Thanks to his work on the ice, Esterbrooks helped to lift Maryland to the East Division and Regular Season title for the 2025-26 season. The ‘05 skater would also be a critical piece in helping the Black Bears to lift the Robertson Cup trophy. In the 10 postseason games, Esterbrooks recorded four goals and six assists with the Maryland-based team. The Minnesota native was effective on the man advantage, scoring three of his goals in the postseason on the power play. Additionally, the 5-foot-10 defenseman scored one game-winning goal in his first playoff run during his time in the League of Opportunity.

In addition to being named a Robertson Cup champion, Esterbrooks was recognized as a Defenseman of the Year Finalist in the NAHL.

Esterbrooks shares his excitement to join the Seawolves program.

“I am proud and honored to announce my commitment to play Division I hockey at the University of Alaska-Anchorage. I’d like to thank my family, friends, coaches, teammates and everyone who has helped me along the way.”

Head coach of the Black Bears, Clinton Mylymok, explains why Esterbrooks is deserving of this opportunity.

“Winning a championship is as hard as it gets, but getting a player the caliber of Esterbrooks really helped put us over the top. He is a truly gifted and competitive individual, and we are excited that he has earned the opportunity to showcase his talents at the Division I level. Congrats to Will and his family.”

Prior to his age-out season, Esterbrooks played for the Kenai River Brown Bears during his 2024-25 campaign. The State of Hockey skater played in 51 contests for the Midwest Division club, recording 23 points in his first full season in the League of Opportunity. He scored eight goals and notched 15 assists with the Alaska-based team.

Esterbrooks got his first taste of the League of Opportunity in the 2023-24 season. He played in nine contests with the Brown Bears, logging four assists with the Midwest Division club.

In his NAHL career, Esterbrooks played 120 games across the three seasons, logging 87 points across three teams.

Esterbrooks is one of 11 members of the Maryland Black Bears to make a Division I hockey college commitment.

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list