Minot, ND – The Minot Minotauros are proud to announce that goaltender Noah Rupprecht has committed to play NCAA DI hockey for Long Island University. Rupprecht becomes the first Tauro to commit to L.I.U. and third to play for the school along with Zack Bross and Tyler Kostelecky who both committed to L.I.U. after their time as Tauros. Overall Rupprecht becomes the 97th Tauro to make an NCAA DI commitment.
Aside from the chance to play NCAA DI hockey Rupprecht said he was “drawn in by the opportunity for a great education and to study what I’m passionate about. The school looks beautiful! It is on Long Island, so it’s close to the beach and city, which is something I’ve never experienced. It looks like a tight knit community on campus.” Rupprecht added, “I plan to study and obtain a degree in sports management.”
Of course, hockey was a big factor for Rupprecht as well, “I was convinced I wanted to commit to L.I.U. because I heard nothing but great things about the program and the way it’s trending up! They’re definitely building a great culture there and I wanted to be a part of something special. I felt like it was the right place for me and my future.”
After a slow start in his first four games as a Tauro in December Rupprecht turned both his and the team’s fortunes around. Over his final 15 appearance Rupprecht posted a .927 SV%, his numbers were even better during a 6-1-0 stretch to end the season in which he posted a .941 SV% and 1.978 GAA to pull the Tauros back into the Robertson Cup Playoffs.
Tauros Head Coach/General Manger Cody Campbell was thrilled for Rupprecht “we are incredibly proud and excited about the opportunity Noah has earned with L.I.U. Since he got here in December he has brought fantastic energy, positivity and work ethic into our locker room. He has also been a big part of the groups success in the second half of the season. L.I.U. is adding a tireless worker and a genuine person to their hockey program and campus community. We look forward to continuing to help Noah develop and prepare for college hockey over the course of the rest of the playoffs.”
Rupprecht believes he has Campbell and the rest of the organization for helping him achieve his goal, “Being a Tauro has been so huge in my development. The way we are treated every single day is second to none. We have unlimited resources to be successful and to help us put in full effort daily. Being in Minot has been one of the best experiences in my life and I’m truly blessed to have called this place home.’
Rupprecht also took time to thank others that have helped him along the way, “First and foremost I would like to thank God and my Family! The endless dedication and support they have provided throughout my journey thus far has been one of a kind. I wouldn’t be in this position without any of them! I would also like to thank my teammates and the Minot organization for all of their support and pushing me to become the best person and athlete I can be. Lastly, I would like to thank my previous coaches and mentors that have always given their time to help me improve in any way I can.”