Mikan, Hensrud commit to American universities

It was a very happy holidays for two members of the Steinbach Pistons. While most people take time during the holidays to relax, Travis Hensrud and Nick Mikan took their time to decide on their hockey futures.

Mikan announced his commitment to the University of St Thomas in Minnesota Dec. 21. The rookie winger has 22 points this season, and will be joining Ty Paisley at the university when the Pistons duo decide to make the leap to the NCAA.

While Paisley gets to enjoy playing his junior hockey close to home, it will be Mikan who enjoys that experience at the collegiate level, as the 2004-born forward grew up 13 minutes away from St Thomas’ Minneapolis campus.

Just two days later, Travis Hensrud joined his teammate in committing to a NCAA team. Hensrud plans to suit up for Northern Michigan University. Hensrud has been red-hot this season, sat in third place in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League scoring race as of Jan. 2.

Hensrud was born in Thunder Bay, and won’t be the only MJHL alumni at Northern Michigan, as former Portage Terrier Reilly Funk is currently playing his sophomore season.