The Minnesota Magicians are excited to announce that defenseman Sam Becker has committed to play collegiate hockey for the University of Maine Black Bears of Hockey East. Becker, who has been a key offensive contributor for the Magicians all season, was named Easton Hockey’s NAHL Defenseman of the Month for February and also earned a spot in the league’s Top Prospects Tournament in Ann Arbor, Michigan as a result of his stellar play.
A Roseville, Minnesota native, Becker played his high school hockey with the Hill-Murray Pioneers of the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL). In two years with the Pioneers, Becker tallied 11 goals and 33 assists for a total of 44 points. He also appeared in two Minnesota State Tournaments with Hill-Murray, and his team finished as runners up in each of those appearances.
Becker’s junior hockey career began in 2013 with the Wenatchee Wild of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), where he collected 9 points in 29 games before being traded to the Minnesota Magicians near the end of the 2013-2014 season. Becker finished out his rookie campaign with an additional 7 points in 12 games as a member of the Twin Cities based Magicians.
This season, Becker has established himself as one of the top offensive defensemen in the league, thus far registering 8 goals and 38 assists for a total of 46 points in 53 games played. He currently ranks 2nd among league defenseman in assists and 3rd in total points. He also currently ranks 2nd all-time in the Magicians’ record books with a career total of 53 points.
Of Becker and his commitment to the University of Maine, Magicians Head Coach Tom Upton said, “Myself and the entire Magicians organization is extremely proud of Sam and his commitment to play Division-I hockey at The University of Maine. His growth and development throughout this season as a player and more importantly a person and teammate has earned him this great opportunity to live his dream and achieve his goals. He has been a tremendous part of our team clinching a playoff spot for the first time in franchise history and we are honored to say he is a Magician. We wish him nothing but the best as he moves on in his hockey career and starts the next chapter in his life next fall.”
Speaking about his accomplishment Becker said, “I’m excited for the opportunity to play at a great program like Maine, and I’m thankful for all the help and guidance I’ve gotten from Coach Upton and Coach Bydal this year.”
Becker’s commitment to Maine comes on the heels of his appearance at the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament in Ann Arbor, Michigan in February. At the event, he was able to display his elite skill and vision in front of hundreds of scouts representing the top levels of collegiate and professional hockey. As a member of the Midwest Division team, Becker notched 3 points leading his team to a 2-0 record at the event.