Minot, ND – The Minot Minotauros are proud to announce that defenseman Nick O’Hanisain has committed to NCAA DI Bowling Green State University (BGSU) becoming the 96th Minotauro to commit to an NCAA DI program. O’Hanisain will become the second Tauro to play at BGSU (Eric Dop) and the first to commit to BGSU while playing for the Tauros.
O’Hanisain is fifth on the Tauros with 26 points this season on eight goals and 18 assists and represented the Minotauros at the 2023 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament where he posted two assists in two games. O’Hanisain said he chose BGSU because, “I love the energy and excitement they brought about their program as well as their excitement in me.” He continued, “this program is world class and has been for years. A phenomenal history and such an exciting spot to play in with the building and atmosphere the city brings.”
Aside from hockey BGSU offers two academic programs that interest O’Hanisain “I have a lot of interest in kinesiology. BGSU has a great program for that. BGSU also has a very good broadcasting school and have moved a lot of guys into professional sports for broadcasting and I have a lot of interest in that as well.”
O’Hanisain points to his season and a half as a Tauro as being a big part of being able to take the next step in his career, “[the coaches] preparing us for the next level with different team building activities, involvement in the community, and the standard they hold us to as a player and individual.” He added “the support we get from the organization, town, and fans also has had a huge impact.” Of course O’Hanisain also pointed out that Head Coach/General Manager Cody Campbell’s work in getting O’Hanisain the opportunity, “working day in and day out on the phone and reaching out to schools for me.”
For his part Campbell said, “we couldn’t be more excited for Nick and his family. Nick has proven consistently throughout the last season and a half that he is more than deserving of this opportunity. Bowling Green is getting a well rounded defensemen, a leader, and a person that is going to make a positive impact throughout the Bowling Green campus. We couldn’t be any prouder of Nick and what he has done to earn this opportunity.”
Beyond Campbell and the Tauros O’Hanisain said, “there is a long list of people I would love to thank. First and most important, my mom. The time effort and money put into me and making this happen. I wouldn’t be here without her. My dad and brother and the late night phone calls, for the support along with the rest of the family in believing in me and picking me up when I was down. Every single one of my coach’s has played a major roll in this and I can’t thank them enough down to my first coach in Matt Gumble who always saw something special in me. My friends and teammates for always believing in me and helping me through the tough times when I needed them most. And of course my papa. Without him most of this wouldn’t be happening and I can’t think him enough for everything he has done. And everyone else that has had an impact on my life. Can’t thank everyone enough and am extremely grateful for everyone in my life.”
O’Hanisain and the rest of the Tauros return to the ice this Friday in Bismarck (tickets) before coming back to the Pepsi Rink at Maysa Arena on Saturday night against the same Bobcats (tickets).