The Rhinos are proud to announce Ian Carpenter’s commitment to continue his hockey career at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, an NCAA DIII program with continued success in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference!
After playing for the Rhinos’ NA3HL team during the 2020-2021 season, Carpenter was tendered by the Rhinos’ NAHL team for his final year of junior hockey. In 54 games this season, the stay-at-home defenseman has tallied 3 goals and 6 assists.
The UW-Eau Claire’s academic excellence and hockey program’s success helped the Illinois-native decide on the university. “I chose Eau Claire because, academically and athletically, it was the best fit for me,” Carpenter said. He added, “I would like to thank my family, coaches, teammates, and friends for helping me get where I am today!”
“We’re really happy for Ian,” Rhino Head Coach Anthony Bohn said. “He’s a player who transitioned into the NA3HL during a season altered by COVID and then worked his way onto our NAHL team. Ian truly understands what it means to be a Rhino. He’s a team leader that works hard every shift. The entire organization is excited that Ian will continue his career in college.”
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire plays in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC), a league comprised of teams in Wisconsin and Minnesota. This year, the Blugolds finished the season on a seven-game win streak that led them to become the Commissioner’s Cup Champions for the fourth time in eight years.
Carpenter is now one of four current Rhinos committed to play hockey in college. Jonathan Horn will join the Air Force Academy’s hockey program, Jan Olenginski will play at St. Lawrence University and age-out Jacob Zacharewicz will lace up his skates at Brown University next season.
