Minnesota junior hockey career keeping Parker native Whitmore in state for NCAA Division III career with Hamline commitment

BY MATT MACKINDER COLORADO HOCKEY HUB

This season, Jack Whitmore played for the NAHL’s St. Cloud Norsemen and NA3HL’s Alexandria Blizzard, two junior hockey teams in Minnesota.

For the 2023-24 season, the Parker native will be back in Minnesota after recently committing to play NCAA Division III hockey for Hamline University, a MIAC school in St. Paul, Minn.

Whitmore arrived in Alexandria in January and compiled 16 points (six goals and 10 assists) in just 13 games. In the Fraser Cup Playoffs, he had eight points (four goals, four assists).

“This opportunity arose through just playing junior hockey in Minnesota and knowing multiple kids who went on to play there my rookie year,” Whitmore said. “Being able to visit towards the end of this season and get a feel for the campus and atmosphere around the university, I knew shortly after my visit that it is where I wanted to be next season.

“The atmosphere I felt on campus as well as with some of the people that I met on my visit heavily persuaded me. It is a good school and has a good hockey program, and is where I felt I would fit in best.”

In the classroom, Whitmore will be pursuing a Business degree.

Prior to playing for Alexandria, Whitmore made his junior hockey debut in the NAHL during the 202021 season with the New Mexico Ice Wolves, recording six points (three goals, three assists) in 30 games played.

During the 2021-22 season, he played in six games for the Ice Wolves, recording two assists, and 27 games for the Norsemen, going for five goals and two assists for seven points.

He began the 2022-23 season with St. Cloud, appearing in five games.

“I feel like just playing junior hockey in Minnesota helped me get in front of the right people for this commitment,” said Whitmore. “Hockey is king in Minnesota, and there are always eyes on you no matter where you are playing. I’m glad I was able to be seen and have an opportunity at such a good school.

“In terms of academics, I’m excited to get back into a classroom setting whereas during junior hockey it was a few online courses here and there. I am excited to do well in school as well as get on the ice and be an impact player as well. I’m just excited to play another season of hockey and make as much out of it as I possibly can.”

Back home, Whitmore played for the Arapahoe Warriors, Krivo School of Hockey Elite and the Colorado Thunderbirds.