One of the Austin Bruins has already learned his hockey future as defenseman Trevor Waldoch has signed his letter-of-intent to play at Air Force Academy beginning in the 2012 season.

Waldoch, a 6-2, 175 pound defenseman from Forest Lake, Minn., will get the equivalent of a full athletic scholarship with the Air Force hockey team.

Now that Waldoch’s future is secure, he can focus on improving his game.

“It takes a little stress off, but I’ve still got to come out every day and get better,” Waldoch said. “I’m really excited to be going to Air Force, and there’s another Forest Lake guy that will be there, so it’ll be awesome.”

Waldoch has nine goals and three assists in 22 games for the Bruins.

“He’s an offensive guy and his forte is puck movement,” Bruins head coach Chris Tok said.

Waldoch said playing the NAHL has already helped him improve on his game.

“There are bigger and stronger guys and the game’s played faster,” he said. “It helped make me better.”

For Tok, Waldoch’s signing should provide encouragement for the rest of the squad.

“It’s good for our guys to see if you do work, people will come and see you and give you an opportunity,” Tok said. “It gives motivation for other players.”

Waldoch plans to play junior hockey again next season to prepare for Air Force and there is a chance he’ll back with the Bruins again.

Austin grad Tim Kirby is currently a junior on the Air Force hockey team.