The Wisconsin Windigo of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are pleased to announce that defenseman Axel Begley has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for the University of Minnesota in the B1G.
Begley, 19, led all Windigo defensemen in points during the 2022-23 regular season with 9 goals and 28 assists for 37 points. He was also the team’s +/- leader at +33. The 6’2/200 lbs. native of Mahtomedi, MN, competed in 7 Robertson Cup Playoff games for the Windigo, registering 2 assists.
He was named the Midwest Division Star of the Week for April 3-9, 2023, where he put up three assists in two games.
“I am proud and honored to receive a commitment to play college hockey at the University of Minnesota. I would like to thank my family, friends, and coaches who have all helped and supported me throughout my life and development as a student/athlete. It was a dream of mine to play hockey for the Gophers,” stated Begley.
During Begley’s rookie season in the NAHL in 2021-22, he appeared in 28 regular season games for the Minnesota Magicians and recorded four points. During that same season, he also played high school hockey in Minnesota for Hill-Murray where he served as team captain his senior season.
“I’m thrilled for Axel to have the opportunity to continue his development as a player and student at Minnesota. Axel was a tremendous asset for us throughout the past season. It’s great to see his efforts get rewarded with an invitation to join such a prestigious college hockey program. He will be missed, but we wish him the best throughout the next phase of his career,” said Windigo head coach Blake Hietala.