Minot, ND – The Minot Minotauros are proud to announce that Huston Karpman has committed to play NCAA DI hockey for the University of Connecticut (UConn) Huskies. Karpman becomes the 72 NCAA DI commit in the history of the Tauros program and first to commit both to UConn and the first under Head Coach and General Manager Cody Campbell.
The announcement comes on the same day that Karpman was announced as the NAHL Forward of the Month for October on the strength of his eight goals and eight assists in nine games last month. Overall on the season Karpman has 20 points on nine goals and 11 helpers which puts him tied for 7th in the NAHL. For his junior career, spent mostly in the NAHL but with stops in the BCHL and USHL as well, Karpman has posted 17 goals and 35 assists for 52 points in 92 games.
Karpman chose UConn because he believes it is an emerging program; “I chose UConn because of the direction they are heading. They have established themselves as a top program in the country and are getting even better every year. With the new rink being built they will also have a top facility in college hockey.” Aside from hockey while attending UConn Karpman intends to study business.
Along with their new facility by adding Karpman Campbell says the Huskies are “getting a great two way forward that is responsible in his own zone and has a knack for consistently creating offense.” Campbell believes the traits that make Karpman a successful junior player will carry over as he advances; ” Huston is an extremely competitive person. His competitiveness and willingness to do what is needed of him to help his team be successful will translate to the D1 level and help UConn win hockey games over the next four years.”
Karpman credits Campbell among others in helping him achieve his goal; “I’d like to thank my teammates for always having my back and pushing me to be better every day. The coaches I’ve played for over the years and especially here in Minot, and my family for the unconditional support and love that has got me to this point.” He added that being a Minotauro has helped him reach his goal, not just through the guidance of Campbell but also because, “My time here in Minot has been amazing. It’s one of the best organizations in junior hockey and we are given every opportunity to be successful as a team and individually.”
While this news is certainly focused on Karpman and his success it is also a milestone for Campbell who gets a player to the NCAA DI level for the first time as a Head Coach less than two months since taking over. However Campbell insisted on keeping the focus on the player, “we are extremely proud and excited for Huston and his family. His sacrifice and commitment to his craft has earned him this opportunity.”
Coincidentally, Karpman and the rest of the Tauros take on one of Karpman’s former teams the Aberdeen Wings on Thursday and Saturday this week with both games being on the Pepsi Rink at Maysa Arena. Tickets for both games can be purchased here or through the “Tickets” tab atop this page.