Lincoln Stars forward Klavs Veinbergs has committed to play at Minnesota State University, Mankato, an NCAA Division I program in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association.

Veinbergs is in his first year with the Stars and has scored five goals and added five assists through 14 games. He has posted three different multi-point games, including recording two goals and an assist against Omaha on Nov. 11.

"I am very honored and excited to announce my commitment to play Division I hockey and further my education at Minnesota State University, Mankato," Veinbergs said. "I would like to thank my family, friends and all the coaches who helped along the way! #hornsup"

Minnesota State has made back-to-back Frozen Four appearances and its 38-6 record last season set a program record for single-season wins en route to capturing the CCHC regular-season and postseason titles.

Head coach Mike Hastings is in his 11th season at the helm and is coming off winning the Spencer Penrose Award as National Coach of the Year. The Mavericks are 8-4 this season and are ranked 10th in the country.

Veinbergs scored 16 goals and added eights assists in 47 games with HK Riga in the MHL, the top junior hockey league in Russia. The Riga, Latvia, native  represented Latvia at the IIHF World Junior Championship in Edmonton this past summer and scored a goal and added an assist in five games. He also made Latvia's senior national team last May for the IIHF World Championship.

The Tampa Bay Lightning drafted Veinbergs in the seventh round, 224th overall, of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft in June. The Stars acquired Veinbergs by selecting him in the ninth round of the 2022 USHL Phase II Draft the month prior.  

"We are very proud to announce Klavs' commitment to Minnesota State," Stars head coach Rocky Russo said. "Klavs has been a tremendous addition to the Lincoln Stars organization and the Lincoln community. His work ethic, attention to detail and desire to consistently improve make him a very special player and person. We look forward to his continued success here in Lincoln and watching him develop at MSU and beyond."

Veinbergs and the Stars have a busy week with three games in four days, beginning Wednesday at the Ice Box against the Tri-City Storm. Tickets are buy-one, get-one free for the night and fans are encouraged to wear black for this Blackout Wednesday matchup. Tickets can be purchased now at lincolnstars.com.