MANKATO — Another junior hockey league draft, another opportunity for one of Mankato West’s rising stars.
Mankato West defenseman Brooks Baukol was the 63rd overall pick by the Austin Bruins in the NAHL’s 2026 Futures Draft Tuesday. Baukol, a 6-foot, 1-inch, 180-pound freshman, netted 11 goals and 31 assists for the Scarlets, who fell in the Class A consolation championship game.
But of his 11 goals, one stands out above the rest. He netted the game-winning goal in a 2-1 triple overtime win over Luverne to give West its first section championship in a decade.
The NAHL’s Futures Draft allows teams to give 16-year-old players early exposure to junior hockey and support their path to NCAA hockey. Each NAHL team will select two players born in 2010, one in each of the draft’s two rounds.
The Bruins hold Baukol’s rights in the NAHL until Nov. 15, 2027. If Baukol, a second-round selection, is not added to Austin’s official USA Hockey Protected List or signs his NAHL tender agreement by that date, he becomes a free agent and is eligible to sign a tender agreement with any team in the NAHL.
The Bruins selected goaltender Tait Johnson with their first-round pick. Johnson, a 6-foot, 4-inch 16-year-old, hails from Austin.
Austin is no stranger to producing Division I talent. The Bruins 2025-26 roster featured Todd Kilpela, committed to Michigan Tech, as well as Matsvei Marshchanok and Siamion Marshchanok, who will both play for Augustana. Notable alumni include Wisconsin’s Gavin Morrisey and Notre Dame’s Sutter Muzzatti.
Baukol was also the 47th overall selection by the Omaha Lancers in the USHL’s Futures Draft last month.