Defenseman Austin Oravetz commits to Merrimack out of the transfer portal

Photo: Michigan State

Merrimack received a commitment from Michigan State defenseman Austin Oravetz out of the transfer portal.

Oravetz just completed his sophomore season with the Spartans. Analytically, he ranks as one of the top defensive players available with an underrated transition game.

He ranks in the 90th percentile or better in puck battles, takeaways, and turnovers.

Oravetz appeared in 33 games as a freshman in 2023-24 and he played in 13 games this season. In 46 career games, he has eight assists.

“Super competitive," said one scout. “He’s an effective penalty killer and he’s good at pressuring the puck and blocking shots. When he keeps it simple breaking out pucks he’s very effective. Has some offense but his competitive nature is his biggest strength. Super competitive player.”

Before Michigan State, Oravetz played in the USHL for the Dubuque Fighting Saints and Green Bay Gamblers. In 2021-22 he had 21 points (2g-19a) in 62 games and he had 21 points (5g-16a) in 61 games with Green Bay in 2022-23.

Oravetz becomes the seventh member of the roster we have projected for 2025-26 (by class):

1. Matthew Campbell (L), Senior

2. Seamus Powell (L), Junior

3. Cam Kungle (L), Junior

4. Austin Oravetz (R), Junior

5. Nathan King (L), Soph.

6. Ethan Beyer (R), Frosh.

7. Hunter Mayo (R), Frosh.