Brice French has seen much of the United States through hockey.

French is from Alaska, played youth hockey in Colorado, junior hockey in Texas and Michigan, and with his recent college commitment, will play NCAA hockey in Wisconsin.

Playing this season for the NA3HL’s Texas RoadRunners, French recently committed to play NCAA Division III hockey for Northland College, a WIAC school located in Ashland, Wis.

“Our staff has been tracking Brice for quite some time and could not be happier he will be joining us here at Northland College,” said Northland assistant coach Mike Lennon. “We feel Brice will compete for a job immediately on our blue line.”

The 2000-born French is playing in his first season in the NA3HL and second season overall of junior hockey after playing 2019-20 for the NOJHL’s Soo Eagles.

The native of Fairbanks, Ak., currently has eight points (goal, seven assists) in 32 games during the 2020-21 season.

French is no stranger to the RoadRunners family, as he spent time with the Colorado Springs Tigers in NAPHL for two seasons, a program run by Odessa Jackalopes scout Kevin Holmstrom.

“Brice is a guy that we wanted on our team last season and had tendered him, but he decided to follow another path,” said RoadRunners head coach Mike Beavis. “This year was a bit different as he was dropped off the New Mexico Ice Wolves roster in the NAHL and made the choice to join us knowing that he would still be close to New Mexico if needed as well as the relationship that we had created over the past year in talking about his future. 

“We are happy that Brice came to the ‘Runners this season and we were able to help him in his advancement to the NCAA. We wish him all the best in school as well as his future in hockey.”

Photo/NAHL

(Feb. 4, 2021)