Norwich forward Friedrichs makes NCAA commitment

The Norwich Sea Captains of the North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) are pleased to announce that forward Mason Friedrichs has committed to play NCAA Division III hockey for  Anna Maria College next season to continue his academic and hockey careers.

Friedrichs, 20, joined the Sea Captains just prior to the traded deadline and played his first game in the Norwich navy and crimson on February 1, 2023. The 5’11/180 lbs. native of Lakewood, Colorado native will major in Business Administration at Anna Maria and play for the AMCATS’ National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III hockey program. Anna Maria completes as an independent program, regularly playing some of the top Division III teams throughout New England.

Friedrichs appeared in nine regular season games and all three 2023 NA3HL Fraser Cup Playoff games during Norwich’s East Division Semifinal series against the Danbury Jr Hat Tricks. He dished out two assists in a Sea Captains uniform, including the primary assist on the only goal in a 2-1 overtime loss to Danbury in his first game in Norwich. Over the course of three junior hockey seasons Friedrichs played a total of 104 games netting 12 goals and adding 32 assists to accumulate 44 points.

“I chose Anna Maria because the campus and facilities offer everything that I was looking for in a school and more. The coaching staff worked very closely with me throughout the recruiting process and helped me see that Anna Maria has all the tools in place to lead me to success on the ice and in the classroom. As for my time in Norwich, the guys on the team were very welcoming and made my transition to the team seamless. I was also fortunate to have an amazing billet experience with the Olshans, who I appreciate more than I can express,” explained Friedrichs.

Norwich Head Coach Kevin Cunningham said, “I am very pleased for Mason that he was able to secure his commitment to Anna Maria. From our initial conversation when we traded for him, Mason was determined to find a good fit for him to continue his academic and hockey careers in college. I wish him nothing but success with the AMCATS and offer him and his family my heartfelt congratulations!”

Friedrichs becomes the fourth member of the 2022-23 Norwich Sea Captains to make his college commitment. He joins teammates Brendan Pellerito (Western Michigan – ACHA DI), Jack Kinahan (Sacred Heart – ACHA DII) and Darrell Smith (Arkansas – ACHA DIII) as players advancing to college hockey next season.

Click here for an NA3HL college commitment list