CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI- Jacob Dirks has spent the last two seasons with the Chippewa Steel and has become a competitive leader on and off the ice. Dirks currently is the third-highest goal scorer in the NAHL with 27 season goals and is close to passing the 100-point milestone in his junior hockey career.
Jacob Dirks first started his hockey career at the age of four. He was inspired to play by two of his uncles who were also really involved in the sport. When asked, he said that this inspiration has continued from squirts all the way into his junior hockey career and will continue to stay with him when he goes on to the collegiate level.
Dirks is one of only two Steel players to be playing juniors in their home state of Wisconsin. Jacob is a hometown hero for many in his small Mindoro, WI community – just two hours south of Chippewa Falls. Growing up a Minnesota Wild fan, Dirks says that players like Zach Parise and Mikko Koivu were his favorite to watch growing up. He was also influenced by another hockey player at a young age – Jacob Trannel. Jacob Trannel was a young hockey player who played for Onalaska High School before he tragically passed away in 2008. Dirks says that he and many athletes from his hometown still play to honor him.
Outside of hockey Jacob says he likes to fish and spend time with his teammates. After this season with the Steel, he plans to return to Mindoro, WI until he attends Ferris State University in the fall to continue his academic and D1 athletic career.
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The Chippewa Steel are members of the NAHL which is the oldest and largest junior hockey league of its kind in the United States and one of only two USA Hockey-certified leagues that operate under the non pay-to-play model. The NAHL is also one of the best at advancing players to NCAA and professional hockey. Notable Alumni of the NAHL include Ryan Suter (MIN), Patrick Kane (CHI) and Phil Kessel (ARI) All league games are viewable via HockeyTV. For more information, visit chippewasteelhockey.com.