By Guy Chiarenza
Amarillo, TX – Wranglers defenseman Nolan Gagnon has announced his commitment to play NCAA Division I hockey at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Gagnon, 20, has been exceptional for the Wranglers in his rookie season in the NAHL. The 5’10”, 165 lbs defenseman has proven to be a dominant force defensively and offensively, tallying 6 goals and 24 assists on the season through 37 games. Gagnon is among the league leaders in scoring from defensemen as his 30 points on the season are fourth-most amongst defensemen in the NAHL, and his 24 assists are fifth-most among defensemen. Gagnon will also take his strong leadership qualities to Alaska, as he was named to the Wranglers leadership group earlier on in the season as an alternate captain.
“I am very excited to be going to Alaska Anchorage,” said Gagnon. “It was an easy choice for me. Their coaching staff have lots of experience and knowledge that will help me as a player and a person. D1 has been a dream of mine since as far as I can remember, it feels like a dream right now.”
“This has been a great week in Wrangler Nation,” said Wranglers Head Coach Ryan Anderson. “First, with the announcement of Connor McDonough’s commitment to Lindenwood and now with the announcement of Nolan Gagnon’s commitment to Alaska Anchorage.” Anderson continued to say, “Nolan has worked his entire life for the opportunity, and he is very deserving of this accomplishment. He will continue to provide a high level of offensive production from the back end at the Division I level. We have been very lucky to be able to watch Nolan play at the Budweiser Bull Pen and we look forward to watching his continued success in the future.”