The Minnesota Moose are proud to announce that Ryan Kropp has committed to play, NCAA Division III hockey in the NCHA for Lake Forest College in Lake Forest, IL. 

This will be the 8th NCAA D3 commitment for the Minnesota Moose in their short 2-season existence. 

Kropp, 19, completed his 2018-2019 season with the Moose playing in 42 regular season games with 15 goals and 24 assists and was a huge contributor to the team clinching another Midwest Division Championship and heading to the National Championship Tournament.

Before playing for the Moose, Ryan played 2 seasons with the Milwaukee Admirals U18 T1EHL, playing in a 35 games with 4 goals and 9 assists in his 2017-2018 season.

“My team with the Moose was probably my favorite team of my hockey career.  Living within 10-15 minutes away from most and actually living with a couple players, facilitated great bonds between the players,” Kropp has said about his time with the Moose. Ryan commented on the pace of the practices and how well prepared for games he felt due to the speed and intensity of the practices.

When asked, Coach Mendenhall had this to say about Kropp’s performance during the teams, 2018-2019 season.  “Kropp came in right away to training camp ready to work.  He was a true leader from the very first day in getting our culture where it needed be, not only on the ice in practice, but in the gym as well, making sure guys were pushing themselves harder every day.”

Coach Mendenhall also commented that, “Ryan was one of the hardest working guys on and off the ice, as well as a true leader coming into his rookie season.”

Kropp was named ‘Rookie of the Year’ by the team and the coaches couldn’t have agreed more.  “Lake Forest is getting a incredible human being on their campus and can’t wait to see where life takes him.”

Kropp took some time out to talk to us and explain his decision to commit to Lake Forest:

“I chose Lake Forest because I grew up playing there.  I know what the facilities were like and I knew what the environment was like on campus.  Then after a visit they were able to show me much more than I had already seen.  The coaches were great guys and easy to talk to.  I was able to see myself playing there pretty easily thereafter.”

Some more from Ryan:

“I’d like to thank my billets.  They were incredibly important the entire year, not only to myself, but the rest of the guys.  They provided my roommates and I with everything we needed and they were there to help with anything we asked.  By the end of the year, they were easily more than just a billet family.

I’d also like to thank my parents.  They’ve funded this venture since the beginning.  I couldn’t have asked for anyone to be more supportive.  Can’t wait to hang with you guys for a few more years here.  My teammates and especially my coaches all deserve a huge, thanks!  My teammates made playing the game easy and my coaches were guides on a long and uncertain path, never brining those antlers down!”

Ryan is looking forward to the, challenges that college will bring, all while playing at the highest level of hockey thus far in his career.  He is also looking forward to re- entering the classroom in what’s sure to be equally as challenging for this, “passionate and dedicated player” and great all around guy.

The Minnesota Moose take pride in being one of the top premier programs in advancing players to the next level whether it be, NCAA, ACHA, NAIA or Tier 2 juniors. Players interested in playing for the Minnesota Moose should contact Head Coach/GM Jon Jonasson at, mnmoosecoach@gmail.com or 952-457-0525