The Alberta Junior Hockey League’s Brooks Bandits have announced the official commitment of 18-year-old forward Hunter Wallace to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for the 2023-24 NCAA season.
Currently in Alberta set to begin his first AJHL season with the Bandits, the Oak Lake product will play two seasons for Brooks before beginning his post-secondary career in the Division I ECAC Hockey Conference of the NCAA, while suiting up in the Engineers’ red and white.
I am happy to announce my commitment to play division 1 hockey at Rensselaer Polytechnic institute University. I’d like to thank my parents, coaches , teammates and friends. Can’t wait to get started. #Engineers @wingmangrp @RPI_Hockey pic.twitter.com/psn2qb0GNc
— Hunter wallace (@_hunterwallace1) September 14, 2021
Coming off a difficult 2020-21 season to which he was only able to suit up in eight games prior to lockdown, Wallace put up an astounding 11 goals and 15 points while serving as the captain of the U-18 Southwest Cougars’ AAA squad. He also played the past two years within the U-18 ranks, amassing 50 goals, 98 points and 78 penalty minutes in 88 prior regular season showings.
The 5-foot-8, 150-pound forward also got his first taste of Manitoba Junior Hockey League action back in 2019-20, as he dressed in one game for his hometown Virden Oil Capitals. Wallace was chosen 239th overall by the Fargo Force at the 2020 United States Hockey League Draft.
Through three preseason games with the Bandits this fall, Wallace has scored twice and added two assists for four points. Brooks begins regular season play on Friday, September 17 at home.
“Hunter is an outstanding kid and has been a nice addition to our team,” Bandits head coach and general manager Ryan Papaioannou said. “Through training camp and exhibition, he’s shown an ability to utilize speed and impact games offensively. We knew it wouldn’t take long for him to garner NCAA interest and his early season work has been impressive. We are excited to work with him over the next 2 seasons on his personal, academic and athletic development.”
RPI finished fourth of 12 teams within the ECAC, going 17-15-2 in 34 games of 2019-20 before not icing a roster for the 2020-21 season due to the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic. Winnipeg’s James McIsaac is currently the long Manitoban on the roster, while fellow Winnipegger Eric Fawkes will travel down to Troy, New York and join the Engineers for the 2022-23 season.
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