ROYAL TREATMENT

Mullets Forward Lindblom Commits to D-III Bethel University

By: Dan Bradley

MINNEAPOLIS -- Minnesota Mullets forward Jake Lindblom will soon be trading in his Mullet Maroon sweater for a new jersey of Bethel Royal Blue. On Monday, the Mullets announced Lindblom has committed to Division-III Bethel University in Arden Hills, MN in the fall of 2020.

“I’m very excited to play for Bethel,” Lindblom said. “Bethel keeps me close to home; I’ll be able to see my family and that was a big deal for me. They carry the academic programs I’m interested in as well, and it seems like a great community to be a part of.”

Lindblom, a two-year captain with Minnesota, finished the 2019-20 season with 11 goals and 24 assists in 40 games before an injury cut his season short. The impact of his injury was felt immediately, as the Mullets dropped three of the final four games in his absence before losing to the Minnesota Moose in the first round of the playoffs. 

In three seasons with the Mullets, Lindblom scored 26 goals and 43 assists, missing just 7 games in that stretch.

“(Playing for the Mullets) was a phenomenal experience,” Lindblom said. “I came in not really knowing what to expect, but as each day went on, I knew I made the right choice in going to the Mullets. We had a great group of guys every year and a great staff to go along with it. I will always be thankful for those memories and friendships for the rest of my life.”

In addition to playing for the Mullets, Lindblom also spent the last two seasons coaching a local youth hockey team, an experience he says has prepared him for returning to school.

“It will be a challenge returning to school and handling school and hockey, which is something I haven’t done in three years,” Lindblom said. “Balancing junior hockey with work and with coaching has taught me how to manage a tough schedule, and I’m excited for a new experience to grow as both a player and a person as a Bethel Royal.”

Lindblom plans to study social work and education.

Because of his defensive versatility, Lindblom will be joining the Royals as a defenseman. While his first two years with the Mullets saw him mostly as a forward, Lindblom spent the first 10 games of the 2019-20 season as a defenseman when injuries impacted the team. He also filled in on defensive shifts as needed throughout the season, playing full periods on defense then jumping back to forward, and also played as a defenseman on the penalty kill.

“Jake has been a big part of what we have been building here, and I’m so excited for this next step in his academic and hockey career,” Mullets head coach Chris Walby said. “Jake is driven to succeed no matter what. Bethel was his first choice in schools, and he’s pursued that goal all season. It’s a perfect scenario for him in many ways. I’m happy for Jake and his family and can’t wait to see him continue to grow on and off the ice.”

With the commitment to Bethel University, Lindblom is the 39th player from Walby’s programs to advance to an NCAA program over the past eight years, and the 8th Mullet to advance to college from the 2019-20 team. For more information on the Mullets program, go to www.mulletshockey.com.