Minnesota Wilderness Forward Gunnar Thoreson has had a hockey season many could consider to be divine, and for those efforts, he is going to become a saint. A Saint Lawrence University Saint, that is.
The veteran from Andover, MN, this week announced his verbal commitment to the Division 1 school based in Canton, NY. Thoreson has played in all 56 games for the Wilderness this season, posting 16 goals and 39 assists for 55 points. He also leads the team in short-handed goals with 2 and plus/minus at +27.
Thoreson said he was motivated to commit to St. Lawrence after a visit to the school in February.
“I liked everything I saw”, said the 20-year-old, “I thought the coaching staff was great and I loved the brotherhood and everything they had going there.”
In a release posted by the NAHL, Wilderness general manager and head coach Dave Boitz offered these thoughts about Thoreson:
“When we tendered Gunnar two years ago, he was one of top scorers in High school Hockey. What we took note of was the fact that he hadn’t been on the ice for a goal against in 20 plus games. Fast forward to now, his 55 points and plus 27 rating indicates just how complete of a player Gunnar has continued to be and developed into at the next level. St. Lawrence is getting a terrific two-way player and even better human being. Gunnar truly loves the game and always has a smile on his face when he comes to the rink. We couldn’t be happier for him and know he will be a great player for St. Lawrence.”
The Saints play in the ECAC, which also includes Colgate University – the school where Wilderness defenseman Bobby Metz has committed. Others on Minnesota’s 2021-22 roster that are committed to Division 1 schools are Ethan Wolthers and Niko Rexine (both headed to Western Michigan), Cole Crusberg-Roseen (UMass), and Aaron Pionk (Minnesota State).
Thoreson plans to pursue a business major when he officially enrolls at SLU, although that will not be until 2023. Before moving on, he intends to grace Jr. hockey rinks with his presence for one more season.