by: Ken Oda, gotauros.com
Minot, ND – The Minot Minotauros are proud to announce that forward Joel Lehtinen has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey at Stonehill College. Lehtinen becomes the second Tauro (Dean Schwenninger) to commit to Stonehill since they made the jump to Division I for the 2022-23 season.
In his first and only season as a Tauro the 20 year-old forward finished second on the Tauros with 51 points (16 goals and 35 assists) in 53 games played. Lehtinen has added two goals and four assists through the Tauros’ first five playoff games as well.
As to why he chose to commit to Stonehill, Lehtinen said, “I like that it is a fairly new D1 program, that they have a whole new coaching staff and I’m excited to be a part of building the new team.” He added that away from the rink he was drawn to the fact that Stonehill is, “a smaller school.”
Lehtinen pointed to his season as a Minotauro as a big part of how he was able to reach his goal of playing NCAA DI hockey. During this season he was able to, “adapt to more of a north American type of game.” Also by playing in the NAHL and in the U.S., “talking to and getting seen by more colleges,” was more within reach. Finally, “Cody was a big part of all this,” said Lehtinen in reference to having Minotauros Head Coach/General Manager in his corner.
Campbell was effusive in his praise of Lehtinen, “we are so excited for Joel and his family. Joel has had a fantastic season for us and will be able to contribute right away at Stonehill. They are getting a skilled and smart player that has the ability to score and make those around him better. Off the ice Joel will add a calm and focused personality that his teammates and classmates can draw from.”
Lehtinen finished, “it feels awesome getting to go play D1 and getting to go compete against some of the top players in North America.” He continued “I’d like to thank my Mom and Dad, Cody, my advisor, and teammates for helping me earn this opportunity.”