Amarillo, Tx– Kristaps Skrastins announced his commitment to the University of New Hampshire, becoming the first player in the young Wranglers franchise to make a college commitment.
The forward from Riga, Latvia, has garnered plenty of attention through the first month of the season, collecting 15 points in the first eight games in a Wrangler’s uniform. The high-powered forward is excited about the opportunity to play college hockey in North America.
“It is such good hockey. Everyone I know that has played division one hockey said it is the most amazing four years,” Skrastins said
The Wildcats play in the Hockey East Conference and are eight-time regular-season conference champions. The Wildcats have also won the Hockey East Conference tournament three times. During his visit, Skrastins was impressed with the atmosphere surrounding the program.
“I like the coaches and the campus. I got to watch two games there, and the fans were amazing,” Skrastins said.
UNH has made 21 NCAA tournament appearances; in seven of those appearances, the Wildcats made it to the Frozen Four. The Wildcats are led by Mike Souza who is in his fourth season as the UNH head coach. Souza is very familiar with the UNH hockey program as a UNH graduate and an associate coach for three years prior to being named head coach.
Skrastins has joined the list of over 1,500 NAHL players to make a college commitment in the last six seasons. During the 2020-21 season, 32% of division one freshmen played in the NAHL setting a new league record.