MANKATO, Minn. – The North Iowa Bulls, proud members of the North American Hockey League, are pleased to announce that defenseman and North Iowa alumnus Jack Phelan has committed to continue his hockey career with the NCAA Division I hockey program at Minnesota State University, Mankato. The Mavericks are members of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association. He becomes the first player with ties to North Iowa to announce an NCAA commitment this season.
Phelan’s time in Mason City was brief, but he quickly made his presence known in his short time with the Bulls. The Hinsdale, Illinois native signed a tender with North Iowa in early December and played in 12 NAHL games, making his junior debut December 17 at the Bismarck Bobcats. His first NAHL point came March 25, with an assist on a game-winning goal from Carter Rapalje against the Minot Minotauros.
“We are very excited and proud of Jack Phelan’s commitment to Minnesota State-Mankato,” said North Iowa head coach Todd Sanden. “While Jack wasn’t with us long, he made an immediate impact for us. His skating, positioning and active stick made him a formidable defender.”
He came to the Bulls as a longtime blueliner in the Chicago Mission AAA program, playing alongside his twin brother, Danny. Following the 2021-22 season, he was the Sioux Falls Stampede’s seventh-round selection in the United States Hockey League’s Phase II Draft, and made the team’s opening-weekend roster out of preseason training camp.
“Jack’s patience and poise set him apart from his peers,” said Chicago Mission hockey director Gino Cavallini. “Along with his size, he can cover a lot of ice, shutting down his opponents and transitioning to offense quickly. He is a player any coach would welcome on the back end, leading by example and imposing himself every shift.”
Phelan’s future team is coming off of a record-breaking 2021-22 campaign that saw the team finish 38-6, falling to Denver in the NCAA Division I national championship game. Senior goaltender Dryden McKay was widely regarded as the top player in college hockey last season, bringing the Hobey Baker Award to Mankato for the first time, and Minnesota State opens the new season as the favorite in the CCHA preseason coaches’ poll.
The North Iowa Bulls congratulate Jack Phelan on his commitment to Minnesota State University, Mankato, and wish him further success as he continues his academic and athletic career.