Across the storied history of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, countless student-athletes have left their mark on the ice and have continued to excel in their post-collegiate careers. In this special Alumni Spotlight series, the WCHA will highlight former players around the league who have made an impact and gone above and beyond in their respective professional careers.
In the 12th installment of this series, the WCHA spotlights former Bemidji State blueliner Makayla Langei from the class of 2021. Langei is now working as a General Dentist, while also still making an impact in the hockey world as she volunteers her time as a coach for Langei Edge Powerskating and is an assistant coach for the EGF Girls High School hockey program.
Prior to her collegiate career at Bemidji State, the former Beaver grew up in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, and went to Shattuck for high school. While at Bemidji State, Langei played in 62 games for the Beavers, recording 6 goals and 15 assists in her career. Langei was named the WCHA Student-Athlete of the Year in 2021 and was a three-time WCHA Scholar-Athlete Award recipient and WCHA All-Academic Team member. Upon graduating from Bemidji State, Langei went to dental school at the University of Minnesota, and played for the Whitecaps for one year and in the PWHPA for one year while in dental school.
Read below on how Langei's time at Bemidji State and in the WCHA prepared her for her current career path and more.
How did playing college and or professional hockey prepare you for your current career?
The biggest thing I have noticed about how hockey has prepared me for my career today is time management, work ethic, and the ability to communicate with others. Hockey has given me so many opportunities, and I wouldn't be where I am today without it.
What was your favorite memory from playing in the WCHA?
From a league perspective as a whole, the physicality and rivalries throughout the league were phenomenal. A specific moment would be our playoff series against Duluth during my freshman year.
What advice would you give to your college self?
Enjoy every day because nothing compares to college hockey. With that, take a breath and soak in the time you get to spend with your teammates.
What advice would you give to current WCHA players?
Be a sponge both on and off the ice. Be open-minded and learn as much as you can from as many people as you can.
What was the most rewarding part about playing in the WCHA?
The amount of growth and development that I gained as a person and player from the opportunity of playing college hockey has contributed tremendously to my life currently. I am able to take my previous experiences and utilize what I learned with different situations in my community, at work, and with my social life to help create a more effective, productive lifestyle.
What do you know now that you wish you had known when you were playing?
The mental game is the most important aspect of the game. Mental toughness is often an overlooked, underrated characteristic in players. Having the right mindset with the willingness to adapt and adjust to all situations is what makes the difference between a good player and a great player.
WCHA Alumni Spotlight Features
Sofia Even (Poinar), Minnesota State
Sis Paulsen, Wisconsin
Abby Haluska, Bemidji State
Julianna Iafallo, Ohio State
Margot Miller, North Dakota
Emma Yanko, Minnesota Duluth
Gabby Billing, St. Thomas
Baylee Stevenson (Gillanders), Minnesota
Sadie Lundquist, Bemidji State
Sheri Hudspeth (Maisonneuve), Minnesota State
Rachel Herzog, St. Cloud State
For more information on the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, follow the league on X and Instagram @WCHA_WHockey, and online at wcha.com.