LHA, Thunderbirds alum, Greenwood Village native Rakowski commits to NCAA D-III Gustavus for ’26-27

The NAHL’s Bismarck Bobcats have announced that forward Ben Rakowski has committed to play NCAA Division III hockey for Gustavus Adolphus College.

The Greenwood Village native recorded 25 points (12 goals, 13 assists) in 58 games this past season. During the postseason, Rakowski laced up in five playoff games, tallying one goal for Bismarck.

“I’m proud and excited to announce my commitment to Gustavus Adolphus College,” Rakowski said. “I would like to thank my family, friends, advisor, teammates, and coaches for helping me get to the next level of my hockey journey. Bismarck is a program that shapes players to get ready for this next step, and I’m very thankful for my time at the program and the support of an incredible billet family.”  

Before joining the Bobcats, the ‘06 forward played in his home state for the Colorado Grit, playing in 56 games during the 2024-25 season, notching 21 points on eight goals and 13 assists.

Rakowski got his first taste of the NAHL during the 2023-24 season, when he played in four games for the Grit, putting up three assists.

For his NAHL career, Rakowski appeared in 123 games, registering 50 points across the three seasons.

Back home, Rakowski skated for the Littleton Hawks and Colorado Thunderbirds.

Photo/NAHL