AUSTIN, Minn. – The second mid-season commitment for the Austin Bruins in 2019-20 comes from Josef Mysak who has announced his intention to play college hockey at Division-I Niagara University.
Mysak, 20, has played in 129 games for Austin over the course of three seasons and along with being the longest tenured Bruin on the current roster, he ranks ninth-all times in games played.
Hailing from Litvinov, Czech Republic, Mysak began his NAHL career in Austin in 2017-18 where he played in 44 games and logged 10 points. The following season, he improved in every category getting into 53 games with 13 total points. Already in 2019-20, Mysak has eclipsed last season point total in half as many games as he takes his play to the next level.
“Our staff is so happy for Josef,” said Bruins Head Coach Steve Howard. “He’s been a Bruin for three season now and developed into a great defenseman. Josef works extremely hard and it has earned him this opportunity with Niagara. The Purple Eagles are getting a great young man and a tremendous hockey player!”
Mysak becomes the second player in two days to commit to a Division-I school, following teammate Ben Almquist who begins play at the University of Minnesota-Duluth in 2020.
“I chose Niagara University because I like the way they do things and I think they can really help with my development as a hockey player,” said Mysak. “I’m looking forward to playing Division-I hockey and representing my family and former teams. The Bruins helped me to get to the point where I am right now. They helped me to grow as a person and as a hockey player. I’m very thankful to be to be part of this community in Austin.”
Mysak will finish up his final year of junior eligibility with the Bruins before starting his collegiate career in 2020-21 with Niagara next fall. As for the rest of the Bruins, they wrap up their holiday break this week and return to the ice Friday, December 27 against the Minnesota Wilderness in Cloquet. Austin returns home to Riverside Arena on January 10, 2020 when they welcome the St. Cloud Blizzard. Tickets for that game go on sale Monday, January 6 at all the Bruins vendors including Games People Play, Hy-Vee, Holiday Inn, and Jim’s Marketplace.
