Chicago Steel forward Fredrik Olofsson, a graduate of the Colorado Thunderbirds program, has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey at the University of Nebraska-Omaha following his United States Hockey League (USHL) career.

“I spoke to my parents this weekend and I felt like it was the right place for me,” Olofsson said. “I liked everything about the campus, the facilities were great, and Omaha will be opening up its new rink next year.  My parents live relatively close to Omaha, so they will be able to make the drive up to see me play in college.”

Originally committed to Colorado College, Olofsson came to Chicago midway through last season after being acquired in a trade with the Green Bay Gamblers. He had six points (two goals) in 28 games with Green Bay, but following the trade, he put up 15 points (four goals) in 24 games for the Steel.

After the season, he was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the fourth round (98th overall) of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft and would attend the organization’s summer development camp. He was one of five players that played in the USHL last season who were drafted by the Blackhawks.

The native of Sweden first broke into the USHL during the 2012-13 season and played eight games with Green Bay after being selected in Phase I of the 2012 USHL Draft.

“Freddy has worked extremely hard on his game since he has come to Chicago,” said Steel head coach Scott McConnnell. “We are very proud he chose a great school and great hockey program on the road to his dream to play professional hockey. UNO will receive a great leader, an awesome person, and a difference maker on the ice.”

Olofsson is the second member of his family to play in the USHL and to be selected in the NHL draft; his brother, Gustav Olofsson, spent the 2012-13 season with the Green Bay Gamblers and was chosen by the Minnesota Wild in the 2013 draft.

– USHL.com