MINNESOTA IRON RANGERS JR. A HOCKEY
Media Update
Release date: Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Iron Rangers announce 8 NCAA commitments
HOYT LAKES – The on-ice success of the Minnesota Iron Rangers has earned the club notice within the NCAA ranks as eight players off the team’s 2014-15 roster having secured scholarships to play NCAA hockey in the fall.
Forwards Max Seiter (Finlandia), Jason Reynolds (Northland), Thomas Fazio (Marian), Evan Erickson (Gustavus Adolphus), Matt O’Dea (Concordia-Minnesota) and Seth Chumley (Saint Scholastica) as well as defenceman Noah Anderson (Elmira) and goaltender Devin Tappenden (St. Thomas) will all suit-up for NCAA programs this upcoming season.
“I’m proud of our Boys and what they have accomplished this year and during our short three-year history,” offered Minnesota head coach and general manager Chris Walby.
“As Iron Rangers, we set goals, both short term and long term goals,” said Walby.
“Committing to becoming an NCAA athlete is basically the ultimate goal and end game for each player that is brought in to the program,” added the Iron Rangers bench boss.
Here’s a breakdown on the Iron Rangers’ players who have committed:
PLAYER: Max Seiter
POS.: Forward
SCHOOL: Finlandia
CONFERENCE: NCHA
2014-15 STATS: 53 GP-8 G-16 A- 24 PTS
NOTES: Two of his eight goals were game-winners. … Had 24 points in total in 53 outings.
PLAYER: Jason Reynolds
POS.: Forward
SCHOOL: Northland
CONFERENCE: NCHA
2014-15 STATS: 52 GP-29 G-35 A-64 PTS
NOTES: Finished second on the team in goals with 29 and points with 64. … Was named a CCM second team all-star in 2014-15.
PLAYER: Thomas Fazio
POS.: Forward
SCHOOL: Marian
CONFERENCE: NCHA
2014-15 STATS: 47 GP-24 G-29 A-53 PTS
NOTES: Averaged over a point-per-game with 53 in 47 outings. … Seven of his 24 goals came on the power play, which tied him for the team lead.
PLAYER: Evan Erickson
POS.: Forward
SCHOOL: Gustavus Aldolphus
CONFERENCE: MIAC
2014-15 STATS: 45 GP-21 G-50 A-71 PTS
NOTES: Was named a SIJHL CCM first all-star at forward. … Led the Iron Rangers in scoring with 71 points. His 50 assists also topped the club and led all skaters in the league. … Shared team lead in man advantage markers with seven.
PLAYER: Matt O’Dea
POS.: Forward
SCHOOL: Concordia-Minnesota
CONFERENCE: MIAC
2014-15 STATS: 48 GP-31 G-27 A-58 PTS
NOTES: Finished third on the squad in offensively production with 58 points in 48 games. … Paced Minnesota in goals with 31.
PLAYER: Seth Chumley
POS.: Forward
SCHOOL: Saint Scholastica
CONFERENCE: NCHA
2014-15 STATS: 48 GP-14 G-17 A-31 PTS
NOTES: Picked up 31 points in 48 games. …Five of his goals came on the power play.
PLAYER: Noah Anderson
POS.: Defence
SCHOOL: Elmira
CONFERENCE: ECAC West
2014-15 STATS: 55 GP-17 G-37 A-54 PTS
NOTES: Was named a CCM first all-star and the SIJHL’s Gongshow Gear top defenceman award recipient. … Led all SIJHL defencemen in goals, assists and points with 17, 37 and 54 respectively. …Also had six power play markers in 2014-15.
PLAYER: Devin Tappenden
POS.: Goal
SCHOOL: St. Thomas
CONFERENCE: MIAC
2014-15 STATS: 33 GP-19 W-9 L-1 OTL (Combined totals with time with Fort Frances)
NOTES: Combined for 19 wins with the Iron Rangers and Fort Frances Lakers in 2014-15. … That was the second-most victories among all SIJHL goaltenders.
Meanwhile another member of Minnesota roster in forward Drew Millis, who has earned a preferred walk-on in an attempt to make Wisconsin-Stout next season.
In just three seasons in Hoyt Lakes, the Iron Rangers now have close to 30 players that have now moved on to compete at a higher level.
This accomplishment is something certainly pleases the club’s organization.
“I’m proud of the list of players that have played here and moved on to school,” stated Walby.
“I’m happy and excited for each of them,” says Walby.
“The years between ages 18-21 is a crucial period of time in young man’s life and It’s a time in your life that you can “set the table” so to speak, for the rest of your life,” surmised Walby
The list of Iron Rangers that moved on to the next level:
Joey Haydock – UW Stout/UW Stevens Point
Trevor Hoth – Aurora University
Nolan Holcombe – Gustavus Adolphus JV
Luke Karakas – UW Superior
Austin Frank – Lawrence University
Kyle Fink – Concordia University Wisconsin
Riley Daly – Ontario Institute of Technology
Justin Gregory – Aurora University
Brandyn Dahlquist – Northern Michigan University Club
Ryan Robertson – Lawrence University
Miles Beason – Asian Pro League
Drew Decker – Utah State Club
Chase Hollander – UW Stout
Matt Audet – Western New England
Eric Majerle – Hamline University
Alex Reichle – Concordia Moorhead
Nick Le Sage – NAHL
TJ Samec – NAHL
Max Seiter – Finlandia
Jason Reynolds – Northland College
Thomas Fazio – Marian College
Evan Erickson – Gustavus Adolphus
Matt O’Dea – Concordia Minnesota
Will Fobair – TBD
Max Kaercher – TBD
Alex Rezansoff – TBD
Drew Millis – UW Stout JV
Devin Tappenden – St. Thomas University
Noah Anderson – Elmira College
Seth Chumley – College of Saint Scholastica