Drew Vieten grew up playing hockey in California and is part of the first-year Wichita Falls Warriors junior program this season in the NAHL.

Both those situations have the Calabasas native ready for college hockey as Vieten recently committed to NCAA Division I Niagara University (Atlantic Hockey).

“After speaking to the whole coaching staff at Niagara, I knew it was a program that I wanted to be a part of and further my development as a person and hockey player,” said Vieten of the Buffalo-area school. “I was drawn to the program because of the way they take care of their players and culture they have set.

“I can’t wait to get my time started there and accomplish my dream of playing college hockey.”

This season with the Warriors, Vieten has recorded a total of 29 points on 13 goals and 16 assists in 30 games. He has been an impact player in the offensive zone, especially on the power play, leading the Warriors with six goals on the man-advantage.

“My experience in Wichita Falls with the Warriors has given me the opportunity to take that next step in my game from my first year of juniors and show that I’m ready for the Division I level,” Vieten said. “I can’t thank the coaches and owner here enough for giving me that opportunity.”

Warriors head coach Garrett Roth had his eyes set on Vieten’s talent well before the start of the team’s inaugural season.

“Drew has been a player over the last two years that has been actively recruited by our staff,” said Roth. “We understood that getting him on board was a key component in building our roster for our inaugural season. His detailed play and accountability along with his offensive production has been a huge part of our success.”

During his youth hockey career, Vieten skated for the Los Angeles Jr. Kings.

Photo/Wichita Falls Warriors

(March 28, 2021)