Men's College CCHA

Hermantown’s Aaron Pionk commits to Minnesota State-Mankato

The former Hawks forward has five goals and 18 assists as a defenseman for the Minnesota Wilderness this season.

030720.S.DNT.state.hockey.Hermantown.SCC c15.JPG — Hermantown forward Aaron Pionk (11) takes the puck down the ice during the 2020 state semifinal against St. Cloud Cathedral. Pionk announced Wednesday he had committed to play hockey at Minnesota State-Mankato. Tyler Schank / File / Duluth News Tribune

By Duluth News Tribune and Rob Beer

December 23, 2021 at 10:09 AM

HERMANTOWN, Minn. -- Another former Hermantown standout has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey.

Aaron Pionk announced Wednesday, Dec. 22 he plans to continue playing hockey for Minnesota State-Mankato.

Pionk scored 30 goals and had 53 assists in three seasons, including 40 points last season in the Hawks’ run to the Minnesota Class A quarterfinal.

A forward for Hermantown, Pionk transitioned to defenseman this year for the North American Hockey League's Minnesota Wilderness. In 31 games for the Wilderness this season, Pionk has five goals and 18 assists in 31 games.