Minot, ND – The Minot Minotauros are proud to announce that forward Blaine Warnert has committed to play college hockey for the University of St. Thomas as they move into NCAA Division I next season. Warnert becomes the 71st NCAA DI commit to play for the Minotauros over ten seasons.
The Chaska, Minnesota, native said he picked St. Thomas in part because “it reminds me of high school where I grew up in a small town where each year and year we got better and by my senior year we had a great chance to win.” He added that “the school is close to home and that it has great academics with great alumni support.” As for those academics Warnert intends to study business finance while playing at the next level. Warnert’s commit to St. Thomas comes on the heels of his second hat trick of the season. His three goals in Austin last Saturday night turned a 2-0 deficit into a 3-2 Tauros overtime victory. Overall on the season his 14 goals are second on the team, his 25 total points are fourth, and his +5 rating is third.
Tauros Head Coach and General Manager Shane Wagner is excited for Warnert, “I’m very proud of Blaine and his commitment. Blaine has not only been a major factor on the ice but an major factor off the ice. He’s a great teammate, leader, and most importantly he’s a great kid. I’m excited to see him continue on playing at STU.”
Warnert believes being a Minotauro has contributed to his growth and eventually the opportunity to play NCAA DI hockey, “because it gave me the opportunity every day to become better and grow as a person and a player.” Aside from his time in the NAHL and Minot Warnert “would like to thank my friends and family for their support in reaching this goal.”