Outlaws' Peltoma to Bowling Green

The North Iowa Outlaws have announced that first-year defenseman Ryan Peltoma has committed to Bowling Green State University (CCHA) for the upcoming fall.

He is the 23rd player who competed in January's NAHL Top Prospects Tournament to commit to a Division I program following the event.

“I’m very happy for Ryan,” said former Outlaws head coach Jeff Crouse.  “We turned him into a more well-rounded defensive player to compliment his offensive skills and it paid off for him. I wish him the best of luck next year.”

Peltoma, a 21-year-old from Brainerd, Minn., tied for third in the league in scoring among defensemen with 33 points on seven goals in 55 regular-season games.  He was also a plus-20.

In eight postseason games, Peltoma recorded three assists.

The 22 other NAHL players to commit to a school after the Top Prospects Tournament are: Bismarck Bobcats goaltender Matt Grogan (University of Connecticut); Fairbanks Ice Dogs forwards Paul Kirtland (Ohio State University) and Eric Kraft (Lake Superior State University); defenseman Brandon Martell (Ohio State) and goaltender Phil Cook (Minnesota State-Mankato); Mahoning Valley Phantoms defensemen Carl Nielsen (Michigan Tech University) and Cullen Lundholm (Robert Morris University); Marquette Rangers forward Chad Pietila (Northern Michigan University) and Reed Rushing (Bowling Green State University); Motor City Machine forward Ryan Misiak (Mercyhurst College); North Iowa Outlaws forwards Brandon Brodhag (Merrimack College) and Alex Carlson (Ohio State); Owatonna Express defenseman Tim Smith; Springfield Jr. Blues forward Trent Frey (Mercyhurst); St. Louis Bandits forward Brendan Sheehan (Niagara University) defenseman Tyler Elbrecht (Minnesota State-Mankato) and goaltender Keith Kinkaid (Union); Topeka RoadRunners goaltender Bryce Merriam (RPI) and forward Steve Shafer (Canisius College); and Wenatchee Wild forwards Ducan McKellar (Bemidji State University) and Mitch Torrel (Air Force) and goaltender Mathieu Dugas (Bemidji State).

View the complete NAHL college list here.