NORTHFIELD, Minn. – St. Olaf College men's hockey alumnus Jonathan Panisa '26 signed a professional contract this week with Hockey Club Neuilly-Sur-Marne 93 (HCNM93) to continue his hockey career in the French Ice Hockey Federation Division 1.

After a decorated career on the Hill, Panisa will travel to the Paris area to join the team that competes in the second tier of professional hockey in France. Founded in 1974, Neuilly-Sur-Marne finished fourth out of 16 teams in Division 1 before falling in four games in the quarterfinals of the league's postseason.

"I am very proud to see JP make this next step in his hockey career," said St. Olaf Head Men's Hockey Coach Tyler Lindstrom. "He is a high-skill player who has made a huge impact on this program's success over the past four years. While this is a hockey accomplishment, I would be remiss to not mention JP's growth as a person as well. He has grown into a mature and invested individual during his time here, and I know he will bring those traits to the pro level. I look forward to seeing him succeed in France."

Over his four-year career at St. Olaf, Panisa racked up 79 points on 41 goals and 38 assists in 98 games and led the team in goals and points in each of the last two seasons. He compiled at least 16 points in all four of his seasons, including posting career-high totals in goals (16) and points (26) as a junior. Panisa was an All-Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) honoree in each of his final two seasons.

Panisa's play helped St. Olaf to an overall record of 56-42-13 (.563) and four consecutive berths in the MIAC Playoffs during his career, including a MIAC Playoff championship and NCAA Tournament appearance in 2023-24. The Oles posted winning records and won at least 12 games in all four of his seasons.