Minnesota Wilderness forward Ethan Wolthers has committed to play his collegiate hockey at NCAA Division I Western Michigan University (NCHC) for the 2022-23 season.

A native of Valencia, Wolthers is currently in his fourth season of junior hockey and second with the NAHL’s Wilderness. His 13 points (four goals, nine assists) leads all Wilderness scorers through the team’s 10 games played during the 2021-22 season, and he also leads in assists with nine.

Extremely honored to announce my commitment to play division 1 hockey and further my education at Western Michigan University. Thank you to everyone who made this possible. #GoBroncos pic.twitter.com/2gegAMrsCi

— Ethan Wolthers (@EthanWolthers) October 21, 2021

It’s a double-win for Wolthers, as he was also just last week named team captain.

“We are extremely happy for Ethan,” said Wilderness coach-GM Dave Boitz. “He is an outstanding example of hard work and perseverance. Ethan’s hockey journey has been full of peaks and valleys, but like in life as well as hockey he has learned to keep moving forward and have faith that good things will happen if you work for them. His teammates have also recognized his dedication to his goals as well as being the ultimate team player as they have unanimously voted him in as team captain. Ethan has a very bright future. We are thrilled he is going to an outstanding school to play in one of the best conferences in college hockey.”

The 20-year old Wolthers began his junior hockey career in 2018-19 with the USHL’s Cedar Rapids RoughRiders. He then went to the BCHL where he spent the 2019-20 campaign with the Wenatchee Wild. In his first season with the Wilderness, Wolthers played in 43 games, recording seven goals and 11 assists for 18 points.

As a youth, he was a champion BMX bike rider before he began playing hockey at age 12.

He played for the Los Angeles Jr. Kings, Anaheim Jr. Ducks and at West Ranch High School.

READ MORE: “Taking Liberties With… Valencia native, Jr. Ducks, Jr. Kings alum Ethan Wolthers,” CARubberHockey.com, Sept. 17, 2020

Photo/Minnesota Wilderness

(October 25, 2021)