AMARILLO, TX - The 2010-2011 South Division Champion Amarillo Bulls, proud members of the North American Hockey League, announced today (Wednesday) that a sixth player has committed to an NCAA school.Bulls' forward Zack Smoot is headed to Utica College, located in Utica, New York for the 2011-2012 season.
"I have been thinking about it for quite a while, and I am very excited to be going there," Smoot said. "What stuck out in my mind the most with me about the school was the fact they draw 3,000 fans per game. That is pretty extraordinary. I talked to a lot of Division III schools and never heard a bad thing about Utica College."
Smoot was the Bulls leading goal scorer during the regular season with 24 goals and 37 assists for 61 points. The Fort Collins, Colorado native was tied for the team lead in plus/minus with +23 and game winning goals with seven. In the post season, Smoot again led all Bulls point getters with 14.
"I am very thrilled to see Zack continue his hockey and academic career at the collegiate level," said Bulls Head Coach Dennis Williams. "It was a pleasure to have coached Zack this past season. Not only is he a terrific hockey player, but he is a tremendous young man as well.
Utica College is also a place that Coach Williams knows very well because he served there as an Assistant Coach for the 2003-2004 season.
"Zack made a great decision to commit to Utica College," said Williams. "Zack is not only getting a great education, but he's also becoming part of one of the premier hockey programs in Division III athletics.
"Coach Heenan has proven to have one of the top programs in Division III hockey year in and year out. His staff (Coach Heenan and Coach Noyes) will provide Zack with not only the coaching he needs to succeed, but will do a terrific job mentoring and preparing Zack for life after college hockey."
The Amarillo Bulls are preparing for their second season in the North American Hockey League with their Main Selection Camp set for next weekend in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. While the Bulls look to take their success a step further this season, Smoot recalls the amazing inaugural season where the team finished third at the Robertson Cup and won the South Division title.
"You couldn't have asked for a better story except for the final two games," Smoot said. "It was the best team I have ever played for with Coach (Dennis) Williams and Coach Rocky (Russo). The guys on the team made it an amazing season.
"One of the big highlights for me was our comeback against Topeka in the playoffs and the goal I scored in that game."
It's not too early to start thinking about hockey season and the Amarillo Bulls can help you beat the heat wave and think about the coolest game in the Texas Panhandle. Full and half season tickets are currently available and priced right to fit any sports fan's budget. For further information on the various packages that also include the Seven Game Flex Packs, please call the Bulls office at 806-242-1122 or visit www.amarillobulls.com.
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