NA3HL in the NAHL

The 2023-24 season continued to see the NA3HL advance more players to the NAHL than any other junior league. A total of 65 NA3HL players were either drafted or tendered by NAHL teams for the 2024-25 season. Below are five highlighted players who advanced from the NA3HL to the NAHL and made an impact at the Tier 2 level.

Quentin Sigurdson, G, Odessa Jackalopes

From Sartell, MN,  Quentin Sigurdson began his junior career during the 2021-22 season with the Granite City Lumberjacks. Standing between the pipes for 19 games, the ‘03 netminder posted a 18-1-0 record, including a whopping 5 shutouts, all whilst maintaining a GAA of 1.475 and save percentage of .925. With this impressive stat line, Sigurdson was named to both the All-NA3HL Rookie 1st Team and  All-West Division Team. Following his time in the NA3HL, Sigurdson proceeded to advance to the NAHL and suited up for the Odessa Jackalopes. Throughout his two seasons with Odessa, Quentin saw the ice 51 times, posting a record of 20-19-3-3, including 4 shutouts and a total of 1,421 shots. With his continued success in the NAHL, he was able to make his NCAA Division 1 commitment to Northeastern University in the Hockey East. 

Nick Recupero, D, Northeast Generals

A 2021-22 Fraser Cup Champion with the Rochester Grizzlies, Nick Recupero played 19 games in Minnesota before making the switch to his hometown team, the Northeast Generals. Playing 13 games with the Generals NA3HL team to begin the 2022-23 season, the Avon, MA native recorded 12 points, (3 goals, 9 assists) before being called up to the NAHL team. After finishing out the season at the NAHL level, Recupero returned to Northeast for his final year of junior hockey, arguably the top defenseman for the Generals. As the Generals’ leading scorer for defenseman, Recupero put up 37 points (7 goals, 37 assists) in 59 games, 3 of his goals coming on the power play, not to mention his 7 game point streak to start off the season. With his commitment to SUNY Plattsburgh being announced in mid March, Recupero will be heading off to play NCAA Division 3 college hockey in the SUNYAC. 

Blake Ulve, F, North Iowa Bulls

A forward from Albert Lea, MN, Blake Ulve has been within the North Iowa Bulls organization for three seasons, playing his first year of junior hockey with the Bulls NA3HL affiliate, the Mason City Toros. In 15 with the Bulls, Ulve was over a point per game player, racking up 18 points (7 goals, 11 assists). With his success, he signed a NAHL tender agreement with the Bulls in April and would join the team that fall. With 100 NAHL games under his belt and receiving captaincy during his final year, Ulve would total 63 points (24 goals, 39 assists) and the Tier 2 level. With his commitment to the 5 time National Champions of St. Norbert College, Ulve will play collegiate hockey in the NCHA come the fall. 

Nikola Goich, G, Shreveport Mudbugs

Another 2021-22 Fraser Cup Champion with the Rochester Grizzlies, Nikola Goich stood between the pipes for 9 NA3HL games, playing incredibly posting a 7-2-0 record, maintaining an impressive .935 save percentage and goals against average of 1.56. After coming up short during his first two games in Rochester, Goich went on a seven game tear, earning seven consecutive wins, including two shutouts. Since advancing to the NAHL, the Homer Glen, IL native appeared in a total 37 Tier 2 games, posting a 19-10-2 record, that number including three shutouts this season for the Shreveport Mudbugs, both games having over 25 saves a piece. 

Nolan Grier, F , North Iowa Bulls

A member of the 2021-22 Willmar WarHawks, Nolan Grier was a point per game player in the NA3HL, tallying 29 points (15 goals, 14 assists) in 22 games. Of his 15 goals with Willmar, 4 were the deciding factor for the WarHawks while 3 were on the powerplay. Suiting up for 69 NAHL games between Jamestown Rebels, Oklahoma Warriors and the North Iowa Bulls, the Fond du Lac,WI recorded 16 points (11 goals, 5 assists). As a University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire commit, Grier will begin his collegiate campaign in the fall in the WIAC.