LOWELL, MASS. — Former Austin Bruin Christian Folin is quickly making a name for himself.

Folin, who played with the Bruins from 2010-2012, recently finished his freshman season at University of Massachusets-Lowell, where he earned a starting spot on the defensive side of the puck and he played in the Division I Frozen Four.

“It’s been a crazy journey. I couldn’t imagine anything like this,” said Folin. “Everyone on our team chipped in and we got better with every game. Playing in the Frozen Four was pretty intense, but it was just a hockey a game and I enjoyed it.”

The 6-3, 210-pound native of Gothenburg, Sweden had six goals and 15 assists in 38 games for the Riverhawks, who finished 28-11-2 overall. UWL lost 3-2 in overtime in the Frozen Four semifinals to eventual national champion Yale.

Folin said he learned a lot about the game of hockey when he played for the Bruins and he gave credit to head coach Chris Tok and the supportive community of Austin.

“Playing with the Bruins prepared me a lot for Division I hockey. Especially playing under coach Tok,” Folin said. “He’s a great teacher and he’s one of the biggest reasons for my success here.”

Tok knew that Folin had a chance to play at the next level when he was with the Bruins, but he didn’t know it would happen so soon.

“Working with Christian every day you could see that he possessed something special,” Tok said. “We knew he would be a very good college player, but we did think it would take a little longer for him to completely adjust to that level. He looks so confident on the ice, just like he was still playing here.”

Folin, who is 22 years old, has already been the subjects of NHL rumors as the Ottawa Senators’ fan Web Site said there were conflicting reports of him signing with Ottawa, but Folin said he hasn’t signed with anyone and he plans on staying at UML.

“I just want to get better and in three years I want to be ready for whatever may come,” Folin said. “I think if I keep working hard for the next three years, (the NHL) can happen. But a lot can happen in three years, so I’m not counting on it.”

Folin has kept up with the Bruins this season as he’s spoken to forward CJ Smith, who has committed to UML and Tok throughout the year.

Tok, who said Folin playing in the Frozen Four will help the Bruins recruit players in the future, has been sure to keep Folin updated on the success of his former team.

“I talk to him once a month to check up on things and he gives me crap for the team being better this year,” Folin said.

The Bruins set a franchise record for wins this season and they won the team’s first NAHL Central regular season title. The Bruins played in the NAHL Central finals last season, and they are currently tied 1-1 with Minot in the NAHL Central semifinals this season.

Games three and four will be held in Minot, N.D. Friday and Saturday at 7:35 p.m. If the series comes down to a game five, it will be held in Austin Monday at 7:05 p.m.