Wisconsin Captain Burns makes NCAA Commitment

The Wisconsin Windigo of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are proud to announce that defenseman Declan Burns has committed to play NCAA hockey for Middlebury College in the NESCAC.

The 6-foot-1 blueliner from Chicago, Illinois, Burns will join the Panthers in Vermont this upcoming fall. Burns is a second-year veteran of the Windigo, skating in 98 career games in a Wisconsin sweater. The ‘05 defenseman laced up in 32 regular-season contests in his 2025-26 campaign, recording 25 points from the blue line. Burns lit the lamp on seven occasions and notched 18 assists in his age-out season. Three of his tallies were power-play markers for the Windigo.

His work on the ice earned him recognition during the regular season. Burns was named a Midwest Division Star of the Week in late September, following his performance at the annual NAHL Showcase. In addition to the recognition, the Chicago, Illinois, native was named to the Midwest Division Team for the annual Top Prospects Tournament. Burns laced up at the two-day event at the USA Hockey Arena, being named as one of the top uncommitted athletes that the NAHL has to offer. His work in his final year of junior hockey also lifted Burns to being named to the All-Midwest Division Team. He was recognized by the Midwest Division coaches with that divisional team accolade.

In the postseason, Burns recorded four assists in 10 games played. The 20-year-old aided in the Windigo’s hunt to return to the Robertson Cup in Blaine, Minnesota.

Burns made his NAHL debut during the 2024-25 season, where he went on to skate in 56 contests with the Midwest Division club. The 6-foot-1 blueliner logged 21 points in his rookie season, scoring five goals while producing 16 assists for Wisconsin. One of his tallies was scored in deciding fashion, while one tally was notched short-handed for the Windigo. Thanks to his work on the ice, Burns helped to lift the Wisconsin-based team to a Midwest Division Title and an appearance at the Robertson Cup.

The Middlebury College Panthers have etched their name into NCAA history books on multiple occasions. The Panthers have gone home as national champions on four occasions in Division III college hockey. 

Burns is one of eight members of the Wisconsin Windigo to make a college ice hockey commitment.

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list