Kohl Hedquist grew up in Tempe, playing youth hockey for the Jr. Coyotes and Arizona Bobcats along the way.

The past two seasons, he skated for the Hampton Roads Whalers, winning a USPHL Premier national championship in 2018-19. After another solid season in 2019-20, Hedquist will move on to college hockey in the fall after recently committing to NCAA Division III Gustavus Adolphus College.

Gustavus Adolphus is located in St. Peter, Minn., and competes in the MIAC.

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“I am extremely thankful and blessed to be given an opportunity by the Whalers and become part of the tradition and culture they hold in my last two years,” said Hedquist. “Thank you to Mr. (Pat) Cavanagh, Coach (Rod) Taylor, Coach (Greg) Gatto, Coach (Kody) Rodriguez, Coach (Brad) Jones and the staff for getting the most out of me every day. Thank you to my support group and family back home along with the 2018-19 national championship group and a 2019-20 team who deserved one as well – two teams who I will never forget being part of. From the coaches to the players, they will always be family and it was an honor to be part of something so special.

“I am excited to get things going at Gustavus next year and be a Gustie where I can keep playing hockey for a great program and further my education.”

This past season, Hedquist posted 16 points (nine goals, seven assists) in 43 games while also serving as an alternate captain. He skated in a total of 90 career games with the Whalers, tallying nine goals and 11 assists for 20 career points.

“Kohl is the true meaning of team player,” said Gatto. “He was a great leader on and off the ice and helped develop, carry and pass on our culture for the next wave of Whalers. ‘Heddy’ has sneaky skill, he can play anywhere in the lineup, and he truly excelled in the faceoff circle and blocking shots.

“Gustavus is getting a big-time character player and a champion.”

— Matt Mackinder

(Aug. 17, 2020)