Alexandria, MN (Aug. 2, 2024)
For more information, contact: Johnny Van Atta, Director of Hockey Operations and Media Relations (615) 830-1113, [email protected]
Northstar Knights Alumni, Bode Laylin, has committed to University of St. Thomas. Laylin is no stranger to the Tommies program. Laylin’s father, Cory, is a highly respected coach in college hockey and has been an assistant coach for St. Thomas since the 2021-22 season. Bode’s older brothers Luc (Jr.) and Casy (Fr.) are also on the team. “I am excited to play for the University of St. Thomas because of the culture they are building and the coaching staff”, said (Bode) Laylin. “I also love that they have a beautiful campus and will also be in one of the best conferences in college hockey that is known for getting players past college. Another dealbreaker is St. Thomas’s new rink they are building that will be one of the nicest rinks in college hockey.” The Tommies ranked 2nd in the CCHA conference last season and the school recently announced that they will be moving to the NCHC conference in 2026-27, which is the first season they’ll be eligible to qualify for the NCAA tournament. The new $183.4 million on-campus facility will host over 4,000 hockey and basketball fans.
Laylin played for the Knights from 2022-2024 and has been one of the most highly touted players to come through the program. “Bode is a great player who will have a long career in hockey as he continues to work at his game,” said 16U Head Coach, Dallas Steward. “He’s very gifted, his character and quiet strength speak loud to everyone who knows him.” In the 2022-23 season, Laylin ranked 2nd on the Knights defenseman in points per game at 0.55, scoring 21 points (2 G, 19 A) in only 38 games played, due to two big injuries during the season. Even with the injury riddled season, Laylin’s potential caught the eyes of the USHL scouts as he was selected 79th overall in the 2023 Phase 1 USHL draft by the Tri City Storm. “Bode’s perseverance showed in recovering from his injuries last season”, Steward said. “As the captain of this year’s 16U team, he led a great group of players and getting drafted (in the USHL) and committing to St. Thomas proved to be a great reward. Laylin used the offseason to recover and grow as he put on 10 lbs of muscle heading into the 2023-24 season. In 49 games played, Laylin produced 43 points (10 G, 33A) while also leading the team in Power Play Points with 20 (6 G, 14 A). Laylin’s strong play earned him the opportunity to play with the Storm during their playoff run as he suited up for the final 9 regular season games and 6 playoff games. The Albertville, MN native will join the Storm full time next season, joining former 16U Coach, Mark Abalan, who will be the new Head Coach of the Storm.
“I would like to thank God for the gifts and abilities he has given me to play such an amazing game”, said Laylin. “I also would like to thank all the coaches and staff pushing me everyday to become a better player and person!” The Knights look forward to watching Bode continue his hockey career in Tri City and at St. Thomas! You can catch Laylin and the Storm in action when they open up their 2024-25 regular season against the Dubuque Fighting Saints on September 27th.