Bighorns forward Marcus Fritel makes college commitment

The Helena Bighorns of the North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) are proud to announce that forward Marcus Fritel has committed to play college hockey for the University of Jamestown.  

Fritel, 21, has been a standout presence in the NA3HL over the past three seasons, appearing in 121 games split between the Mason City Toros and, more recently, the Helena Bighorns. A native of Elk River, MN, he consistently elevated his performance year after year, finishing his junior career with an impressive 142 points (61 goals, 81 assists), averaging over a point per game.

His final season, the 2024–25 campaign, was his most dominant yet, as he racked up 81 points alone. Fritel made a habit of lighting up the scoresheet, recording multi-point games on 20 occasions. As the Toros' leading scorer, he drew significant interest at the trade deadline and was acquired by the Bighorns in early February.

He made an immediate impact in Helena, notching points in each of the final eight regular-season games, including two game-winning goals. That momentum carried into the playoffs, where he registered at least one point in all seven contests, totaling 10 playoff points.

Fritel’s stellar play earned him a spot in the 2025 Top Prospects Tournament and league-wide recognition. He was named to both the All-Frontier Team and the All-NA3HL First Team, finishing sixth in league scoring. In addition to his NA3HL success, he also gained valuable experience in the NAHL, skating in six games with the North Iowa Bulls.

Fritel is the fifth player from the Bighorns to make a college commitment this season. 

Click here for an updated NA3HL to College commitment list