Another RoadRunner Commits to College
Published on February 19, 2009 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Topeka Pilots News Release
TOPEKA, KS, FEB 19, 2009: Topeka RoadRunners forward Steve Shafer is the latest player to finalize his college plans, as he has accepted an offer this week to play hockey next year for the Griffins of Canisius College in Buffalo, NY.
The 5'11", 175 lb. forward from Rochester, MI is playing in his second year with the RoadRunners. In his rookie season, as part of the "Gray Battalion" line, he flourished with 12 goals and 26 assists for 38 points with a plus +13 rating. This season, through 45 games, he is second on the team in scoring with 15 goals and 34 assists for 49 points and again, a plus +13 rating. A consistent, every night type of player, the only game Shafer has missed this season was due to his participation in the NAHL's Top Prospect Tournament.
While Shafer's degree is still undecided, he has indicated he is leaning toward pursuing a degree in business. Having his college destination locked down was his first priority. "It is awesome knowing I will be in a great place for the next four years. The coaching staff and players at Canisius were unbelievable during my visit."
The road to playing Division I hockey is a long one, and Shafer acknowledged those who helped him achieve his goals. "I could not have done it without the support of my family. They all have dedicated so much to me playing hockey and I am glad I get the opportunity to get a top notch education and I know they are too." His coach for the past two seasons in Topeka, Scott Langer, has made his mark on Shafer's career as well. "Coach Langer has helped me in so many areas of my game. He is hard on me but its so I never get complacent and keep striving to get better. He gave me the opportunity to get a scholarship and for that I am grateful." Langer is pleased to see another player rewarded for his hard work. "Shafer plays the game at a very good pace and has high-end vision", he said. "He is the type of player that just seems to come up big when needed." He went on to say, "(Canisius) Coach (Dave) Smith is not just getting a good hockey player. He's getting a great young man."
Off the ice, Shafer is grateful for the support he has received from the teams owner. "I feel privileged to have both played for and lived with the best owner in the league, Mary Magdalene Lorang. She has done so much for me personally as well as our team and the city of Topeka."
While Shafer can now make concrete plans for the next four years, he is still excited about what lies ahead for this years team. "Getting so far last season and not winning was very tough for me personally and it drove me to work hard all summer and really prepare myself so that I could help my team raise the Cup this spring." He knows that he has had the good fortune of being on some good teams in his junior career as well. "I am lucky to have played with some great players and terrific teammates over the years. Them pushing me everyday in practice has really helped me develop into the player I am."
Shafer becomes the sixth player on this years current roster to cement his collegiate plans, joining Eric Artman (Air Force), Bob Marx (University of Alaska - Fairbanks), Matt Hartmann (Bemidji State University), Jordan George (Bemidji State University), and Bryce Merriam (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute).
For the latest RoadRunner news, visit the teams official website: www.topekaroadrunners.com.
North American Hockey League Stories from February 19, 2009
- Tibbett Backstops Phantoms to 3-1 Win Over Machine - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
- Phantoms to Auction Jerseys Autographed by Kelly Pavlik - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
- Another RoadRunner Commits to College - Topeka Pilots
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