Minot, ND – The Minotauros are proud to announce that defenseman Nick Strom has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for Western Michigan University. Strom becomes the ninth member of last year’s Tauros team to make a DI commitment and the 45th overall in franchise history.
Strom, a 2000 birth year rookie defenseman, was tied for ninth on the Tauros in scoring last season with 32 points (4g 28a). His success as an 18 year-old in Minot led to Strom being taken 19th overall in the USHL Draft by the Fargo Force where he will play this season before matriculating to Western Michigan.
Strom said he chose WMU because of the coaching staff saying “I know they’ll push me to be my best as a student athlete.” Aside from seeing his hockey career take off Strom said WMU gives him the chance to reach his goals which “included playing in the NCHC and becoming a pilot, and Western Michigan gives me the opportunity to do both. I plan on studying aviation flight science and getting a business-related minor.”
Tauros Head Coach and General Manager Marty Murray had nothing but praise for his former defenseman, “Nick had an exceptional rookie season with us. He played like a seasoned veteran from the get go, and played in all situations. His poise and ability to break pucks out are as good as I’ve seen at this level.” Murray’s praise was not just limited to Strom’s play on the ice, “He’s a great teammate and with the way he handles himself both on and off the ice, it will lead to very good things as he moves forward in his career.”
Strom was equally effusive about his time in Minot as Murray was about him, “the entire Tauro organization helped me get to this point by surrounding me with great coaches, trainers, and teammates who have supported and pushed me to be a better player and person. Having the opportunity to be on the ice every day and work on my game with them helped me grow a lot this past season. I owe them, the fans, and the community a big thank you for making Minot a great place to play and develop.”
Aside from a general thank you to the Tauros community Strom also had more specific thank you’s to pass on: “I owe a big thank you to my family, friends, and my billet family the Bastsfor their support throughout this journey. As well as the Tauro scouts, coaches, and ownership for giving me the opportunity to play in Minot and doing everything they could to help me during my time there.”
Stay tuned to minotauroshockey.com as the new season approaches for all Tauros news and updates. As the season approaches we will meet the new Tauros, follow Sam Skinner and Team NAHL as they play in Russia, and more.