KEARNEY, NE – Tri-City Storm defenseman Landon Fandel has announced his commitment to Augustana University. 

Augustana, a Division I program located in Fandel's hometown of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, competes in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association. 

"I am very excited and honored to announce my commitment to play Division I college hockey and further my education at Augustana University," Fandel said in a social media post. "I would like to thank my parents for their love and support throughout my hockey journey. I would also like to thank the coaching staff at Augustana for providing me with this incredible opportunity. I am honored to be able to come home to Sioux Falls to play the game I love."

Currently in his first season at Tri-City, Fandel has tallied one goal through the Storm's first two games of the year. The 2005-born player spent the previous two seasons with Bismarck (NAHL), where he produced 14 goals and 30 total points in 99 games.

"We're very excited for Landon," Storm head coach Mark Abalan said. "Augustana is getting a high-character, hard-nosed, two-way defenseman. This is a great get for them. Landon is a good human being and someone who will help build a positive culture at Augustana." 

Fandel becomes the 21st current member of the Storm to make a Division I commitment, and first to Augustana. Other Tri-City players committed to CCHA schools include Cameron Springer (Bowling Green), Bode Laylin (St. Thomas), and Rylan Bonkowski (Minnesota State).

Augustana is entering its second season of Division I play and first as a full member of the CCHA. Founded in 1860, the school offers 50 bachelor's degree programs. With an enrollment of approximately 2,000 students, Augustana is the largest private university in South Dakota.