The Minnesota Moose of the USPHL Premier are excited to announce the college advancement of 2001 Forward and Captain Tristan Avoletta to Grand Valley State University. GVSU is an ACHA D1 program playing out of Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Moose are excited to see Tristan compete at the collegiate level with Grand Valley State University for the next 4 years.

Tristan Avoletta 2001 F (Wasilla, AK) was a 3-year veteran for the Minnesota Moose. He finished his career with the moose netting 53 goals and 77 assists for 130 points, he currently sits as the 3rd highest scoring player to wear a Moose jersey, 3rd in goals, assists, and points. Tristan was a Captain for the 2021-22 and served as an assistant captain for the 2020-21 season He contributed to much of the success of the Minnesota Moose where he helped get to 2 USPHL National Tournaments.

“It is players like Tristan Avoletta that set the tone for the success within our program here in Blaine, MN. Tristan showed up every day with a top-notch work ethic for practice or games, it didn’t matter. He is the type of player that pushes everyone around him to be better and sets an example for everyone around him. We strive to build this program around good hockey players, but even more so good human beings and Tristan was a great example of both. Avo was also a huge component in our success in the community with his constant involvement being someone we could always lean on away from the rink. Tristan was one of the truest Captains the Moose program has had in 5 years and we can’t wait to see him carry that over to the collegiate level for Grand Valley State University. Tristan had many college opportunities and chose a program that will suit him well on the ice and in the classroom.” – Jon Jonasson, Minnesota Moose HC/GM

“I just want to say thank you to all of Blaine. From the billet families to my teammates, to the coaches and other staff of the Moose, and to the fans. The past 3 years I’ve spent in Blaine were a blast, and I reminisce on those times often even though I’ve only been gone a couple months. Minnesota at this point is a second home to me. It’s comforting to know anytime I come into town to visit, I have countless families and friends to stay with. Special thank you to coach Jonasson for giving me the opportunity to grow as a man, leader, and a hockey player. I wouldn’t trade the ups and downs in had in Minny for the world.  Once a Moose always a Moose! #RollMoose. ”  - Tristan Avoletta

When the Minnesota Moose Junior Hockey Club, out of Blaine, MN started in 2017, the goal was to see players move on to the next level of hockey and begin the next chapter of their lives as young men and student athletes. Since the inception of the Minnesota Moose there has been over 80 players that have gotten the opportunity to play at the next level from NCAA D1 to Tier 2 Junior Hockey. The goal has always been to move players to the most reputable programs at whatever level suits their needs most. That depends on academics, coaches, campuses, the hockey, the balance of lifestyle etc.. Once a player dawns that Minnesota Moose jersey on day 1 one of training camp, they know that they will be taken care of, have an opportunity to chase a championship and have every door opened as possible to move on to Collegiate hockey (NCAA/ACHA D1) or Tier 2 Junior.

The Minnesota Moose, playing out of Blaine, Minn., have been one of the top teams in the USPHL Premier and Midwest-West for the last Five seasons since their inception in 2017, with 80+ advancements, a 186-59-10 overall record since 2017, four trips to the National Tournament and two Division Championships. 

Players interested in playing for the Minnesota Moose next season or beyond can visit their website at www.minnesotamoosehockey.com or reach out to Head Coach and General Manager Jon Jonasson at mnmoosecoach@gmail.com.