Payton Lang of Minot High will be staying close to home, as she committed to play hockey at Minot State this week

Getting the opportunity to play a college sport is something a lot of athletes dream about and when the time comes to make their college commitment, it’s a deserving celebration of their accomplishments in their sport and in the classroom.

For some, that opportunity never arises and for others, it does. For Payton Lang of Minot High, not only did she see that opportunity come to fruition this week, but she gets to enjoy the next step of her athletic journey close to home.

As a member of the Minot High girls’ hockey team, Lang revealed to the Minot State women’s hockey team that she will be staying in the Magic City for her collegiate career, joining head coach Ryan Miner and the Beavers program next fall.

“The Beavers are lucky to sign Payton to their hockey program. Payton is a great all-around player who excels in every part of the game. She works hard, is talented, and is very coachable,” Majettes head coach MaKayla Neuhalfen tells The Minot Daily News.

In three games with the Majettes this year, Lang has totaled five points off three goals and two assists and was a force for the team the season before.

As a junior during the 2021-22 season, Lang scored 10 goals and 27 assists for a total of 37 points in 24 games. The 37 points by Lang finished second on the team.

“Payton’s ability to see the ice and make the smart play sets her apart from others. She is able to read a situation and react to it quickly. She sets her teammates up by creating plays and can also put the puck in the back of the net herself,” Neuhalfen said.

Next fall, Lang will join a Beavers team that has former Majettes in Abby Tallman and Paige Ackerman on the roster, creating a familiarity, especially with Tallman as the two were top point scorers for the Majettes in the 2021-22 season.

“Our program is always proud to see a player continue their hockey career at a higher level. It shows a love and commitment to the game.” Neuhalfen added, “it also shows the younger girls in the Minot Hockey Boosters program and in our high school program that playing hockey is attainable at the collegiate level.”

In regard to what type of person the Beavers are getting in Lang, Neuhalfen shared that she brings much more to the table than the ability to put pucks in the net and set up her teammates.

“Payton is a great player, leader, and teammate. We are very excited to watch her hockey career continue at the Maysa Arena for the Beavers next year.”