CROOKSTON, Minn. - The University of Minnesota Crookston hockey team, in their third season back on the ice as a ACHA Division II team, punched their ticket to their first-ever ACHA Division II Central Regional February 24-26 at the Maryville University Hockey Center in Chesterfield, Mo. 

The Golden Eagles posted a 22-5-1 mark during the 2022-23 season. They finished the regular-season second in the WCCHA Northwest Division and placed third at the 2023 WCCHA Tournament in Blaine, Minn. Minnesota Crookston was led on the regular-season by Logan Syrup with 57 points (26 goals, 31 assists). Jackson Fuller (So., F, Minneapolis, Minn.) finished with 19 goals and 29 assists. Tyler Zahradka (Jr., F, Grand Forks, N.D.), who was named to the WCCHA All-Tournament Team, had 24 goals and 17 assists. Zach Larson (Jr., F, Grand Forks, N.D.) posted 15 goals and 18 assists.

At netminder, Jared Aamold (So., G, Breckenridge, Minn.) saw the most time with 14 games played. He posted a 2.66 goals against average.

The Golden Eagles will be the sixth seed at the ACHA Central Regional Tournament and will have a first round bye. They will open up play Saturday, February 25 at 8:15 p.m. at the Maryville University Hockey Center. The Golden Eagles will play the highest remaining seed after the first round is completed.

Concordia University Wisconsin, Trine University, DePaul University, and Minnesota Crookston will have first-round byes. Lindenwood University and University of Saint Thomas head straight to the ACHA National Tournament in Marlborough, Mass., March 17-21. The Golden Eagles are playing for one of the final two spots in the ACHA National Tournament.

The remaining teams in the ACHA Central Regional will be: Michigan State University, Marian University, University of Iowa, University of Minnesota, Lake Superior State University, Adrian College, University of Wisconsin, and Sault College.