Maryland Black Bears defenseman Will Esterbrooks committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for the University of Alaska-Anchorage. Esterbrooks is expected to join the Seawolves program in Anchorage this fall after helping Maryland win the North American Hockey League’s 2025-26 East Division title, regular-season title and Robertson Cup.
“I am proud and honored to announce my commitment to play Division I hockey at the University of Alaska-Anchorage. I’d like to thank my family, friends, coaches, teammates and everyone who has helped me along the way.”
Will Esterbrooks Produced for Maryland and St. Cloud
Esterbrooks, a 5-foot-10 defenseman from Hermantown, Minnesota, joined the Maryland Black Bears near the 2025-26 trade deadline. He played 13 regular-season games for Maryland and recorded three goals and 11 assists. One of his goals was a game-winning goal, and two came on the power play.
Esterbrooks began the 2025-26 season with the St. Cloud Norsemen. He played 37 games and recorded 11 goals and 25 assists. One of those goals was a game-winning goal, and five came on the power play.
During Maryland’s postseason run, Esterbrooks recorded four goals and six assists in 10 games. Three of his postseason goals came on the power play, and one was a game-winning goal.
Maryland Black Bears Defenseman Earned NAHL Recognition
Esterbrooks helped Maryland win the East Division and regular-season titles before the Black Bears captured the Robertson Cup. He also was named a finalist for North American Hockey League Defenseman of the Year.
Maryland head coach Clinton Mylymok said Esterbrooks helped the team complete its championship season.
“Winning a championship is as hard as it gets, but getting a player the caliber of Esterbrooks really helped put us over the top. He is a truly gifted and competitive individual, and we are excited that he has earned the opportunity to showcase his talents at the Division I level. Congrats to Will and his family.”
Esterbrooks Completed Three NAHL Seasons
Esterbrooks played for the Kenai River Brown Bears during the 2024-25 season, appearing in 51 games and recording eight goals and 15 assists. He also played nine games for Kenai River during the 2023-24 season and recorded four assists.
Across three seasons, Esterbrooks played 120 North American Hockey League games and recorded 87 points. His commitment to the University of Alaska-Anchorage makes him one of 11 Maryland Black Bears players to make a Division I hockey college commitment.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
Esterbrooks’ regular-season production, postseason scoring and power-play contributions supported Maryland’s championship run after the trade-deadline acquisition. His commitment to the University of Alaska-Anchorage gives the Maryland Black Bears defenseman an opportunity to continue his career at the NCAA Division I level.
Source: Original report
