Austin’s all-time leading point scorer was recently honored as the NAHL Forward of the Month.

With 14 points during the month of January, Austin Bruins forward and Nebraska-Omaha commit Travis Kothenbeutel stood out amongst his peers. The 21-year-old native of Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, recorded seven goals and seven assists and was a plus 10 during the month as the Bruins put together an 8-2-0 record in January to climb into second place in the Central Division standings.

Kothenbeutel had five multi-point games during the month and his 49 points and 31 assists are currently tops in the NAHL. Prior to playing in the NAHL, Kothenbeutel spent a season and a half in the NA3HL with the Granite City Lumberjacks.

“Our staff is extremely proud of Travis’s accomplishments this season. Travis plays in all situations for us and is a great leader,” Bruins head coach Steve Howard said. “He’s been wearing the Bruins jersey for three seasons now and he’s stepped up in a big way in his final season in Austin. He competes every shift and wants this team to succeed. We are looking forward to Travis continuing his success through the rest of the year.”

Kothenbeutel, who had 50 career NAHL goals, is just one goal away from tying Jay Dickman as the Bruins’ all-time goal leader.

“I think winning always helps the confidence of the team and I know I was motivated to keep playing well so we could keep climbing the standings. I am really working hard on having good habits and doing the little things it takes to be successful and carry that edge. That means taking some extra shots after practice, stopping and starting during drills, and putting the extra work in on and off the ice,” said Kothenbeutel. “I can’t thank the Granite City Lumberjacks enough for giving me my first junior hockey opportunity in the NA3HL. It really is a process that players have to stick to with hard work and development. My advice is to be humble and never stop working hard to achieve your goals.”