After a season playing for the NAHL’s Colorado Grit, Wilder Jacober is on the move to college hockey.

Recently, the Carbondale native committed to NCAA Division III Augsburg University, a MIAC school located in Minneapolis, Minn.

“The opportunity to commit to Augsburg after the season playing for the Colorado Grit,” Jacober said. “After researching and talking to many schools throughout and the season and after, I had my sights set on Augsburg. After reaching out and speaking to Coach (Garrett) Hendrickson and doing some research on the team, it looked like a great organization and school with a bright future. 

“The culture at Augsburg is all about hard work and progression, getting better every day with the goal of winning a championship. And with a the great roster they have built over the years, I think it’s extremely realistic. It was exactly what I was looking for in the hockey side of things and for school, it seemed like a great fit being a smaller school. I always appreciate a smaller class size with more resources for each student and the best chance for success.”

Jacober said that getting back into the swing of school will pay off in the long run. 

“Academics have definitely been a priority for me throughout the years,” said Jacober. “I don’t always love going to school and doing homework as most people can agree, but the opportunity is priceless. To be able to play the best sport as well as pursue higher education is something that isn’t an option for many people. I am hoping to study graphic design and/or new media working with technology, social media, and communications.”

Last season with the Grit “made a huge difference on the level my game is at,” Jacober said.

“Being an older guy on the team helped me step out of my comfort zone and become a leader, in this case, leading by example,” he said. “Although production isn’t everything in hockey, it’s a huge part of playing at a high level. The Grit took my production to the next level. I fell short of what I would have wanted or expected in the points category but in terms of producing beyond goals or assists, my game grew a ton. Playing a better 200-foot game and being a player that can push the pace and intensity of the game has prepared me for the next level.”

As for what to expect next season with the Auggies, Jacober said it’s all about effort.

“I never like to set expectations of where I play in the lineup,” said Jacober. “Instead, I like to have expectations of how much I can earn through hard work and consistency. My expectations for my freshman year are to first find my role on the team. I like to think I have the ability to play many roles, though throughout the start of the season, I hope to find where I best fit and try to excel at that. It will obviously take some time to adjust to a new schedule with school and a whole new team, but I hope to keep or gain confidence in order to play at my highest level. I’m extremely excited to get started.

“Roll Auggies.”

Growing up, Jacober skated his first several years with Aspen Junior Hockey before making the jump to AAA hockey with the Colorado Rampage, where he played the rest of his years before heading to the USPHL’s Provo Predators for the 2022-23 season.

Photo/NAHL

— Matt Mackinder

(August 8, 2024)