MINOT, N.D. – The 2^nd-ranked Minot State men's hockey team heads into the Christmas break already one of the best teams on the ice in the ACHA, but now they're getting a little bit better.

Beavers head coach Wyatt Waselenchuk is pleased to announce the addition of freshman forward Sean Williams, who transfers from NCAA Division III Oswego State, in New York, where he played in two games for the Lakers already this season. Williams will be in uniform for Minot State when the Beavers return to the ice on January 9 to host the University of Mary at the All Seasons Arena at the North Dakota State Fairgrounds.

"Sean is a young man that we are incredibly fortunate to have joining our program after the Christmas break," Waselenchuk said. "He's a big body that skates extremely well and shoots the puck like a pro. He is a proven goal-scorer at every level he has played at, and it will be a big boost for our offense to insert him into our line-up."

A 6-foot-2 forward from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Williams started his collegiate career this fall at Oswego State – which is currently 6-2 overall and ranked No. 6 in the nation – after a big final season of junior hockey in 2024-25 as he netted 20 goals and had 29 assists in 59 games while splitting time with the Elmore Aviators of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) and the Niverville Nighthawks of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL), which included 6 playoff games (3 goals, 1 assist) with the Nighthawks.

"I am very excited to be joining a winning program," Williams said of Minot State. "They've shown they can win, year after year. I couldn't be more happy to join a program that wins and moves players on to the next level."

Williams originally committed to play at NCAA Division I Robert Morris in Pennsylvania before selecting Oswego State to start his collegiate career. He was one of just two forwards recruited by the Lakers this season.

Now he returns to the Midwest to be closer to home and to skate for the Beavers.