Rochester Hills, MI- Oakland ACHA DI Hockey general manager Corey Hagood is pleased to announce that defenseman Griffin Hernalsteen has transferred to Oakland from Finlandia University (NCAA DIII). He becomes the ninth commitment this offseason for Oakland.

“I committed to Oakland because they’ve had a tradition of being a good team.” Hernalsteen stated. “I want to be a part of that and bring some success back while enjoying the sport I love.”

Hernalsteen played juniors for the Richmond Generals (USPHL Premier) and for Motor City (USPHL Premier) along with a stop in the Eastern Hockey League (EHL)

He will help improve the Oakland blueline and move the puck up the ice. “I’m a defensive player that can hit and move the puck up the ice quick” Hernalsteen stated. “You can expect to see my hardest work and commitment to my team. “

Hernalsteen will study Psychology while at Oakland and said his commitment “means a lot to me and I look forward to playing with all the guys.”

Oakland head coach Sean Parker has always had an interest in Hernalsteen joining the Golden Grizzlies. “When I was hired last year Griffin was one of the kids I wanted to get, but he was already committed to NCAA DIII.” Parker said. “When he reached out and said that he wanted to come home and go to Oakland I knew we had to make it happen.”

“He’s a very solid defenseman who has offensive upside. I can’t wait to see Griffin log a lot of minutes back on the blueline during his Oakland Career.” Parker added

NamePositionPrevious Team and League
Jacob CzajaForwardUtica Eisenhower (MHSAA)
Andrew MorrisonForwardMidland Dow (MHSAA)
Alexander RekarForwardUtica Eisenhower (MHSAA)
J.P. WeberForwardDecatur Blaze (USPHL Premier)
Jacob ZomickGoalieFinlandia University (ACHA)
Stefano MiniForwardDetroit Fighting Irish
(USPHL Premier)
Griffin HernalsteenDefensemanFinlandia University (NCAA DIII)
Graphic By: OU Hockey Alum Joseph Guenther