GIRARD COMMITS TO ACHA FLORIDA GULF COAST

May 27, 2025

The Willmar WarHawks of the NA3HL are pleased to announce that Goalie Kai Girard has committed to play hockey for Florida Gulf Coast!

Girard, 20, 6’2” / 190lb goalie from Chaska, MN finished his 2nd season with the Willmar WarHawks. He played 47 games seeing 1673 SA / 1499 SVS earning him a 90% save percentage in his NA3HL career.

“As my time with the Willmar WarHawks comes to a close, I want to thank everyone who made these past two years unforgettable. I’ll always remember the friendships I’ve made, playing cards with the guys, post-practice lunch and the team meals from the player moms and billet families. Those moments made this more than just hockey.

To my billets – thank you for putting up with me and giving me a place to belong.

To my coaches – thank you! I’m beyond grateful to have been part of this first-class organization. You made a huge impact on me both on and off the ice. You helped me grow as a player and as a man, and I’ll carry those lessons with me as I continue to develop in this game and in life.

To the fans – thank you for showing up, cheering loud, waiting for us after games and giving us energy when we needed it most. You made playing in Willmar special and reminded us we were playing for more than just ourselves.

With everyone’s support, I’m excited to continue my hockey career at Florida Gulf Coast University. I’ll always be grateful for my time in Willmar. I’m looking forward to cheering on the returning WarHawks next season and watching the future of the program. It’s an honor to be an alum.

Thank you for everything.
Kai Girard.”

“Extremely thrilled for Kai’s next life and hockey chapter at Florida Gulf Coast” Head Coach and GM Payton Ruter said. “It’s a perfect situation all around for Kai. He’s going to get a great hockey opportunity, a great academic program and it’s also in a perfect location.”

The WarHawks congratulate Kai on his college commitment to Florida Gulf Coast and wish him all the best as his hockey career continues to move forward.