D1 Hockey Signs Bolger to Begin 2024-25 Recruiting Season

The Waldorf University D1 Men's Hockey Team is not taking a break during the off-season.  Head Coach Mike Heitkamp announced the addition of standout forward Mackenzie Bolger, the first new Warrior signed to the 2024-25 D1 roster.

Bolger, a native of Sydney, Australia, started the 2023-24 season in the USPHL with the Bellingham Blazers.  Despite playing only 21 games before switching teams, Bolger was Bellingham's leading goal scorer for 2023-24.  Bolger lit the lamp a total of 16 times, twice as many as the Blazers' second-leading scorer. 

Following his strong performance in Bellingham, Bolger quickly rose to the NA3HL, playing for the El Paso Rhinos.  Although playing just two thirds of El Paso's season, Bolger managed to finish fourth on the Rhinos in total scoring with 11 goals and 16 assists for 27 points.   

Overall, Bolger has averaged a point per game since coming to American junior league hockey.  Bolger also played for the Australian U20 team in the 2022-23 IIHF World Junior D3 Tournament.  The team went undefeated, winning the gold medal.  "We are very excited that Mackenzie is joining us this fall," Heitkamp said.  "He provides the skill set that we were missing this last year.  He has great vision of the ice, strong offensive skill, and provides a high compete level.  Mackenzie will help us put the puck in the net."

 In addition to his strong statistical performance, Bolger also promises to bring hockey savvy to Warrior hockey next year.  "He comes from a hockey family where his father coached him during his younger days," said Heitkamp.  "Coaches' kids are usually pretty good guys to recruit.  They have strong fundamental skills and their hockey IQ is generally higher than the typical player.  I see a lot of those attributes in Mackenzie.  Plus, Mackenzie is one of the good guys.  He carries himself well both on and off the ice.  We look forward to his arrival this fall.  He will have an immediate impact at the D1 level. "

 The Waldorf D1 team played a nationally elite schedule in the 2023-24 season.  The Warriors played a total of 19 games against ACHA Top 25 competition, with 12 of them coming against Top 10 teams, and four of those against #1 ranked and defending National Champion Minot State.   Four of Waldorf's 2023-24 opponents advanced to the ACHA Division 1 National Tournament.

 The Warriors will begin their 2024-25 slate of competition this September.