Steel's Vanko Makes College Decision
March 14, 2014 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Chicago Steel News Release
BENSENVILLE, Ill. - The Chicago Steel have announced that defenseman Alec Vanko has committed to Minnesota State University-Mankato after the conclusion of his United States Hockey League career.
Vanko is enjoying a very successful campaign in his first season with the Steel. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound blueliner has tallied 24 points (8g, 16a) in 41 games and was named to the midseason USHL All-Star Team on Feb. 20. Vanko has been honored as the USHL's CCM Defenseman of the Week twice in 2013-14.
"I am really excited and it feels great to be committed to Mankato," Vanko said. "It was just a good fit for me and my family. I really liked the campus and out of all the visits I took, I liked Mankato the best because it felt like home for me. The Mankato coaching staff was great throughout the recruiting process and everyone involved with the program was very genuine." Vanko, an Oregon, Wis. native, played for the Janesville Jets of the North American Hockey League last season. In 36 games with Janesville he scored one goal and added 16 assists.
"We are pleased to support Alec and his family in his decision to attend Minnesota State University-Mankato," Steel head coach Scott McConnell said. "With what they have endured over the last six months, to have this news makes everyone in our organization happy. Alec has worked extremely hard and has been a great teammate during this season. He took his time and carefully thought out where the best fit in a university would be for him as a person and as a player. Mankato will welcome in a great kid, great family and great hockey player when he is finished with his junior career."
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