NORTHFIELD, Minn. – Moving from the Shattuck-St. Mary’s hockey program to the North Iowa Bulls roster at the start of last season was an important “next step” in Mitch Dolter‘s hockey career. As the Bulls square off against the Sabres in their annual home-and-home series, Dolter is set to make his next important step, announcing his commitment Thursday to the hockey program at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. He’ll join the Oles for the 2018-19 season.
Dolter certainly isn’t the brashest player on Todd Sanden’s roster, but his play on the ice says more than enough for itself. The Faribault, Minnesota native left his hometown after five years in the Shattuck-St. Mary’s program and made an immediate impact in his first season with the Bulls, tallying 39 points in 46 contests.
Dolter heads into the final weekend of January having shattered those marks in year two, with 58 points in just 36 games. His 29 goals on the season ranks second on the team behind Josh Arnold, who announced his commitment to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls on Wednesday. The trip home from campus won’t be a problem either, with just 20 miles separating Faribault from the St. Olaf campus in Northfield.
He’ll continue his career under one of the Midwest’s most recognizable faces in hockey. Mike Eaves is in his second year as the Oles’ head coach, after spending 14 years as the bench boss at the University of Wisconsin. Eaves won a national Division I title with the Badgers in 2006, appearing again in the finals in 2010. He and Dolter will both have stories to share from their time as Sabres, with Eaves serving as the program’s head coach from 1994 to ’96.
North Iowa now has three college commitments in the books for this season. Shane Bernhardson committed to Concordia-Moorhead in late November. Three other players have already signed North American Hockey League tenders for the 2018-19 campaign.
The North Iowa Bulls congratulate Mitch Dolter on his commitment to St. Olaf College, and wish him the best for his college career to come.