Minot, ND – The Minot Minotauros are proud to announce that forward Trevor Stachowiak has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for the University of Minnesota Duluth. Stachowiak becomes the fifth Tauro to head to UMD and will join former Tauro teammates Zach Sandy and Braden Fischer with the Bulldogs next season.
Those teammates played a role in Stachowiak’s decision to commit to UMD as Stachowiak noted they, “have had great things to say about their experiences as Bulldogs.” Aside from those longer relationships Stachowiak pointed to several other reasons he committed to a program that won three National Championships since 2011.
“UMD’s hockey program has an extremely impressive and successful history. The coaching staff has high expectations from their players on and off the ice. The Bulldog’s facilities are top notch. I have really enjoyed my conversations with the coaching staff and believe that I will fit into their culture well,” explained the Tauros Captain.
Stachowiak rewrote the Tauros record book during his four seasons in Minot. He will leave the Tauros as the all-time leader in games played (217), assists (82), and points (118); his 36 career goals ranks 4th all-time in franchise history.
“What is left to say about Trevor. We couldn’t be any more proud of him. He stayed the course, continued to develop at his own rate and that has earned him the opportunity to play at UMD. The Bulldogs are getting a true competitor, who will put the work into winning and hold all of those around him to the highest standard, on the ice and on campus,” raved Tauros’ Head Coach/General Manager Cody Campbell.
As for Stachowiak after four seasons in Minot he is “extremely happy to have earned this opportunity. It is a special feeling! Playing DI has been a goal of mine and to have it become a reality is an incredible feeling. I look forward to the work that is ahead of me and couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity.”
Stachowiak, who plans to study finance, pointed to reasons beyond hockey for why he committed to UMD. He explained, “UMD has a lot to offer for me as a student. The size of the school was very appealing to me. As a mid-sized school offering a wide variety of majors and minors I can still get a personalized experience. The school is also in a beautiful area. Having grown up near Lake Michigan I am excited to be spending my college years enjoying another Great Lake.”
Having played his entire junior career as a Tauro there was no doubt that being a Tauro helped Stachowiak reach his goal; “being a Tauro has meant the world to me. The organization is as professional as it gets from the top down. Minot has given me all of the resources I need to develop as a player and person. Our owner Mr. Porter, Coaches, the Carbo family, trainer Kevin Melby, Dr. Mattern, equipment manager Jack Dunnell, the office staff, and the best fans in the league truly made being a Tauro special and I am lucky to have played my junior hockey in such a special place.”
Beyond the Tauros Stachowiak “would like to thank all of my family, coaches, teammates and friends who have supported me. I would not be where I am today without the sacrifices that other people in my life have made for me! I am extremely grateful for all of the support I have in my life.”
Of course the Tauro who initially wore jersey number 19 due to growing up in Chicago looking up to former Blackhawks’ captain Jonathan Toews it was no surprise that he is still focused on what this year’s Tauros can accomplish: “our group still has a lot of work to do! I am excited for us to continue to work toward our goal.” Stachowiak and the rest of the Tauros open the Central Division Finals this weekend on the Pepsi Rink at Maysa Arena against the rival Bismarck Bobcats. Tickets can be purchased through the “Tickets” tab atop this page or by visiting the Minotauros Ticketing Site.