Charbonneau Verbals to United States Air Force Academy
April 19, 2004 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Billings Bulls News Release
Matt Charbonneau will join three current Billings players in Colorado Springs next fall. The Stillwater, MN native verbally committed to the Air Force Academy this past week, which gives the Bulls five college commitments with more on the horizon. Charbonneau will follow Bryan Becker, Josh Print and Blake Turnquist, who have already verballed to the Academy.
Head Coach Mike Aikens believes Charbonneau is making a great decision for himself hockey wise, but also for his future. "Matt is going into one of the best situations any young man can ask for. It's a great life decision for him," Aikens said. "The funny thing is Air Force wasn't on the radar till about a month ago. Matt got the ball rolling and the Academy is getting arguably our most valuable player."
Charbonneau finished fourth among defenseman in the NAHL this season with 9 goals and 32 assists. He was fourth among defenseman in assists, third among defenseman with 7 power-play goals, one of six players who had a four-goal game, all of which were on the power play. Charbonneau also led the team with 112 penalty minutes and played in every regular season game this season.
"Matt has great hockey sense and he has had to work on his foot speed because that is a big part of his game," Aikens said. "He has been a true leader on the ice and I think he is making a great decision by attending the Air Force Academy."
Billings fell to Bismarck in the West Division Finals this past Friday. The Bobcats will represent the West in Frisco, Texas for the Gold Cup. They will join Texas, Fairbanks and Springfield Jr. Blues.
The Billings Bulls End of the Season Awards Banquet will take place at the Historic Northern Hotel this Tuesday, April 20th at 6 p.m. Dinner, Awards and a Jersey Auction will take place to honor everyone involved this season. Tickets are $30. For tickets, call the Bulls office at 256-2456.
North American Hockey League Stories from April 19, 2004
- Awards Banquet 2004 - Bismarck Bobcats
- Charbonneau Verbals to United States Air Force Academy - Billings Bulls
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