First College Commitment in West Texas Wranglers History
The West Texas Wranglers are proud to announce that Austin Gray has committed to play ACHA Division I hockey at the University of Michigan–Flint — becoming the first NA3HL player in franchise history to earn a college hockey scholarship and commitment.
For us, this one hits home.
Austin is a local product. He grew up playing youth hocke
y in Amarillo and Odessa and competed for the West Texas Selects 16U, a combined Amarillo/Odessa team built on development and opportunity. He didn’t leave West Texas chasing a shortcut — he built his foundation right here.
His path through junior hockey wasn’t easy. Like most players fighting for a college opportunity, he went through the trenches — competing for ice time, battling adversity, learning what it really takes to play at the next level. Eventually, that road brought him back home to the West Texas Wranglers.
This season, Austin committed to a detailed, season-long goal setting plan with our staff. Every month had benchmarks. Every week had purpose. He didn’t just talk about wanting to play college hockey — he trained for it, prepared for it, and lived it daily. He earned this.
What makes this special isn’t just the commitment. It’s what it represents.
Austin is proof that a player from Amarillo and Odessa can stay home, trust the process, and accomplish something big. The development model here works when the player buys in — and Austin bought in completely. He led by example, put the team first, and worked relentlessly.
We’re incredibly proud of him and excited to see him compete at Michigan–Flint as they build their ACHA Division I program.
This is a milestone for the Wranglers — but it won’t be the last.
There will be many more to come.