AUSTIN, Minn. – The Austin Bruins are proud to announce that forward Ben Almquist has committed to the University of Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA DI) and will begin his collegiate career this season.
Almquist, 20, leads the Bruins in scoring during the 2019-20 with 30 points in 28 games. The Victoria, MN, began his junior career in 2017-18 where he played 11 games in the USHL with the Tri-City Storm. The following season Almquist joined the Bruins halfway through the year where he racked up 20 points in 23 games.
“We are excited for Ben and the opportunity he has at UMD”, said Bruins Head Coach Steve Howard. “It’s obviously tough for us to lose our leading scorer at this point in the season, but our job as coaches and as an organization, is to help these young men fulfill their dreams of playing college hockey. The University of Minnesota Duluth will be getting a top-notch player but more importantly, a wonderful person. Ben led by example the entire time he was with us. His character and attitude was infectious in our locker room and he will do the same for the Bulldogs. This is a big opportunity for our current players as well and we’re excited to see which of our guys will step up and play a bigger role in the second half of the season.”
Over the course of two half-seasons with the Bruins, Almquist tallied a total of 50 points in 51 games, 27 goals and 23 assists.
“Coming to Austin was one of the best things for my career,” stated Almquist. I was instantly welcomed with open arms and accepted into the team and organization. They gave me every opportunity to show what kind of player I know I can be, and I am forever grateful to them for it. I can’t say enough about how much I appreciate the Bruins organization and the town for everything they did for my career. Without them, none of this would be possible.”
Earlier in the season, Almquist decommitted to the University of Wisconsin, allowing him the chance to sign with another college. At the University of Minnesota-Duluth, Almquist will join the two-time defending National Champions as well as former Bruin Jade Miller who continues his senior season with the Bulldogs. The 6-0, 175-pound forward will depart the Bruins immediately to begin his collegiate career during the 2019-20 NCAA season.
The Bruins take the ice for the final two games in the 2019 calendar year on December 27 and 28 in Cloquet, MN, against the Wilderness. Austin returns home to Riverside Arena after the turn of the New Year when they welcome the St. Cloud Blizzard to town on January 10, 2020. Tickets for the Bruins next home game go on sale Monday, January 6 at all the Bruins vendors including Games People Play, Hy-Vee, Holiday Inn, and Jim’s Marketplace.
