Indian's Goaltender Commits to Utica
May 14, 2004 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Soo Indians News Release
(Sault Ste. Marie, MI) The Soo Kewadin Casinos Indians hockey team has long been regarded as one of the premier sources for recruiting college goaltenders. Early this week, veteran netminder Adam Dekker (Muskegon, MI) became the second Indian's goaltender to accept a college offer in the past two months, joining teammate Derek MacIntyre (Ferris State University).
Dekker has accepted an offer to play at Utica College of the ECAC West Division. He will join former Indian's teammate Kevin Krogal, who played for the Pioneers during their 2001-02 inaugural season.
Dekker put in two outstanding campaigns for the Indians, winning twenty games in that span against just eight losses. His 2.15 goals against average and .905 saves percentage were as good as anyone in the North American Hockey League.
In addition, Dekker earned the most improved player award for the Indians during the 2002-03 season and was awarded the Peggy Kaunisto Community Service Award during both his seasons with the Indians. He was also awarded the Community Service Award last season awarded by the NAHL and is a finalist for the award again this season.
Coach Joe Shawhan was thrilled to hear of his veteran goaltender's decision to play college hockey next season. "There is no one who I have coached that has worked harder, or been more committed than Adam. He came through our Midget program and then gave us two tremendous seasons at the Junior level. Adam was always on the ice an hour before practice and stayed after late to take shots. He would then go to the rink in the evening to work with the young goaltenders in the community. He exemplified everything we look for in an Indian's player."
Dekker becomes the eighth member of the Indians to commit to play college hockey next season. Others include Logan Bittle (Robert Morris), Stavros Paskaris (Wayne State), Mark Lutz (Vermont), Derek MacIntyre (Ferris State), Derek Punches (Air Force), Jason Blain (Northeastern University), and Jim Jorgensen (Ferris State). In addition, rookie defenseman Veli-Antti Leinonen has decided to forego a career in U.S. College Hockey by deciding to play professionally in Finland and is currently in negotiations with Oulun Karpat of the Finnish Elite League.
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North American Hockey League Stories from May 14, 2004
- Indian's Goaltender Commits to Utica - Soo Indians
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