Minot, ND – The Minotauros are proud to announce the forward Cole Hanson has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for the United State Air Force Academy. Hanson becomes the second Minotauro this week, and 54th overall, to commit to play NCAA DI hockey. In total he is the 98th NCAA hockey commit for the Minotauros.
Through 11 games this season Hanson has posted one goal and four assists. The 2000 birth-year forward from Grand Forks, ND, will eventually be teammates with former Tauro Keenan Lund at Air Force. Hanson cited several reasons for joining the Falcons, “The education is one of the best in the entire country, the rink and facilities are top notch and the coaching staff [HC – Frank Serratore, AHCs Andy Berg and Joe Doyle] is great. Not only are they great coaches but they are good people as well.”
As for the top notch education available to him, Hanson says he intends to study “business” at the Air Force Academy which boasts one of the most prestigious undergraduate management and business degrees in the county.
As for the hockey aspect of his career Hanson believes “being a Tauro and playing in the NAHL has given me a ton of exposure and has also made me a better player as well.” Tauros Head Coach and General Manager Marty Murray agrees saying “Cole has a great skill set and his hockey IQ is very high. He’s played a big role for us as a first year player, and I’m excited to see him continue to grow as the season moves forward.” Hanson was quick to credit Murray and Tauros Assistant Coach Shane Wagner for his development this season, he also added a thank you to “Chris Lonke for recruiting me to Minot.” Aside from the Tauros organization Hanson added “I would like to thank my parents, coaches from the past, and my teammates.”
Hanson and the Tauros are headed down to Aberdeen to start a string of three games in four days against the Wings. Friday and Saturday night the Tauros look to knock off their rivals in Aberdeen before returning to the Maysa Arena on Monday. In honor of Veterans Day the first 1,000 active duty or retired military and family members will get in free with ID.