The NAHL’s El Paso Rhinos have announced that forward Ethan Woolcott has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for Maryville University, the newest D-I program.

Woolcott shares his gratitude for taking his next step in his hockey career.

“I am proud to announce my commitment to play Division I hockey at Maryville University. I would like to thank my family, friends, coaches, and teammates for all the help along the way.”

The San Diego native has played a key role in helping to lift the Rhinos to a strong postseason position this season. The 20-year-old has scored 18 goals while producing 48 assists during the regular season. He ranks second on his roster with 64 points on the season. The Golden State skater featured a plus-21 rating during the regular season and did not miss one contest.

His work on the ice earned him recognition as a participant at the 2026 Top Prospects Tournament for the South Division roster. In addition to that accolade, Woolcott earned South Division Star of the Week honors on November 10, 2025, when he sported an eight-point performance over two games for the Rhinos.

This season, the California native has shown up on the scoresheet in 42 out of 59 regular-season contests. Woolcott, in addition, featured 15 multi-point contests in his first season in the NAHL.

During the postseason so far, Woolcott has registered at least one point in every contest, with two games being multi-point games. In his five postseason contests, Woolcott has notched nine points on the scoresheet, scoring three goals while making six assists. This past weekend, Woolcott played a crucial role in El Paso’s Friday night 6-5 overtime victory over the New Mexico Ice Wolves, popping two goals and two assists in the win. One of his goals was scored short-handed, while the second tally of the night came on the power play.

Woolcott was acquired by the Rhinos through the 2025 NAHL Entry Draft, going in the seventh round (218th overall).

Back home, Woolcott skated for the Anaheim Jr. Ducks and Santa Margarita Catholic High School.

Photo/NAHL

— NAHL Staff

(April 20, 2026)