Austin Rueschhoff Commits to Western Michigan
April 17, 2017 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Dubuque Fighting Saints News Release
DUBUQUE, Iowa - Dubuque Fighting Saints forward Austin Rueschhoff (Wentzville, Mo.) has announced his commitment to play college hockey at Western Michigan University. This season was Rueschhoff's first with the Saints, as he spent all of last season with the Austin Bruins of the North American Hockey League.
"It's a big weight off of my shoulders," Rueschhoff said of the commitment. "I wanted to get a scholarship for me and my family. I'm excited to commit to Western Michigan."
Rueschhoff, a big presence on the forecheck with good stickhandling skills, scored 17 goals in the regular season, and posted 27 points. He has taken his game to the next level with 2 goals and an assist in two playoff games thus far against the Muskegon Lumberjacks.
Rueschhoff says his size should be the biggest thing that should make him successful at the next level.
"[Head coach Andy Murray] wanted a guy who was bigger. He thinks that with me there, I can help their game down low in the offensive zone," Rueschhoff said. "Murray is similar to coach [Jason] Lammers. They want to produce NHL players at Western Michigan. That's their main goal. That's what really intrigued me."
"We are very excited to see the continual growth in Austin's game throughout the season, and that he has committed to Western Michigan," Lammers said. "He has shown a dedication to being a better 200-foot player who can play in all situations. His growth here should propel him to a great career at the next level."
Murray, a longtime coach at many just about every level of competition, has led the Western Michigan Broncos to the NCAA Tournament twice, including this past season, and a CCHA championship in his first season. Rueschhoff will be the only Fighting Saint on the roster, although affiliate defenseman Aidan Fulp is also committed to the program as well.
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United States Hockey League Stories from April 17, 2017
- U.S. Tops Czech Republic, 5-2, at U18 Worlds - U.S. National Team
- Austin Rueschhoff Commits to Western Michigan - Dubuque Fighting Saints
- Steel Sign Robert Mastrosimone to Tender - Chicago Steel
- Anders Bjork Named to 2017 U.S. Men's National Team - U.S. National Team
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