Storm Defenseman Ronnie Attard Commits to Western Michigan University
December 8, 2016 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Tri-City Storm News Release
Storm Defenseman Ronnie Attard Commits to Western Michigan University
(Tri-City Storm)
Kearney, Neb. - It's been a whirlwind five days for Tri-City Storm defenseman Ronnie Attard. Saturday, with his parents in attendance, the rookie blueliner scored his first USHL goal, giving the Storm a two-goal edge in a victory over Waterloo. Less than a week later, the 17-year-old announced his commitment to Western Michigan University, the 17th active Tri-City player to commit to a NCAA Division I institution.
"Last summer I visited the campus and instantly fell in love," said Attard, "I love the coaching staff and the facilities. We kept a connection until I came up to juniors. They offered a few days ago and I couldn't turn it down."
Listen: Attard explains why he chose Western Michigan
Attard started his first USHL season on the 45-day injured reserve while recovering from an upper-body injury. Since returning, Attard has played in eight straight games, recording a plus-one rating to go along with his goal.
"He really fought through to get back healthy and in shape," said Storm Head Coach and General Manager Bill Muckalt Saturday after the Tri-City win. "He's been really good for us and always has a smile on his face. I think he's got a really bright future in this game."
Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 187 pounds, Attard joins Paul Washe as the second active Storm player to commit to Western Michigan. 2016 Clark Cup Most Valuable Player Wade Allison leads all Broncos freshmen with seven goals and ten points. Western Michigan's Head Coach Andy Murray spent ten seasons as an NHL Head Coach with the Los Angeles Kings and St. Louis Blues. Storm Assistant Coach Matt Stewart attended Western Michigan from 2011-15.
"Another huge thing was being close to home," explained the native of White Lake, Michigan. "It's only about two hours away."
Attard captained Victory Honda U16 in 2015-16, scoring seven goals and 16 points.
Two hundred Storm players have played in a game while committed to college hockey. Attard will become the 201st when he plays his next game.
Tri-City is on the road at 7:05 p.m. on Friday, December 9 before hosting the Des Moines Buccaneers for Ugly Sweater Night + $1 Beers on Saturday, December 10 at 7:05 p.m. One of the most popular nights of the season, enjoy the fun by wearing your favorite ugly sweater and enjoying $1 beers and soft drinks.
Coverage begins 15 minutes before puck drop with the Viaero Wireless Pregame Show on The Breeze 94.5 FM.
Get Storm Tickets
Listen to Storm games on The Breeze 94.5 FM .
Images from this story
 Storm Defenseman Ronnie Attard Commits to Western Michigan University |
• Discuss this story on the United States Hockey League message board...
United States Hockey League Stories from December 8, 2016
- December Happenings & Musketeers in the News - Sioux City Musketeers
- Frozen Lemonade Classic Slated for December 17 - Madison Capitols
- Storm Defenseman Ronnie Attard Commits to Western Michigan University - Tri-City Storm
- Fighting Saints Announce Leadership Group - Dubuque Fighting Saints
- Eat Mor Chikin in Party Town - Waterloo Black Hawks
- Team USA Tops Korea, 8-1, in WSHC Semifinals - U.S. National Team
- Phantoms Fall to Lumberjacks 4-3 in OT - Youngstown Phantoms
- Suchy, Klavins to Represent Native Countries at 2017 WJC - Omaha Lancers
- Tri-City Brings Ott, Swanson Aboard - Tri-City Storm
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
