Higby's Dream Comes True
April 3, 2010 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Topeka Pilots News Release
Erik Higby will be a Wildcat next year.
Before you go cross-eyed trying to figure out why Higby would leave Topeka for Wichita Falls, it's not THOSE Wildcats. Northern Michigan University assistant coach Rob Facca was in Landon Arena for Friday nights playoff game, and the agreement was reached that will have Higby suiting up for the NMU Wildcats next fall.
"It feels great", Higby said Saturday morning. "I'll be able to see family and friends. It's exactly what I hoped for." He will pursue a degree in sports management as his long term goal is stay involved in hockey well after his playing days are done. Getting his college plans cemented also helped take a great weight off his shoulders. "I'm relieved, really. It's taken a lot of stress off me."
Erik Higby raised the bar in Topeka, setting a franchise record for total points in a season (80) which led the NAHL, and assists in a single season (53). Not one to get wrapped up in personal accolades, Higby remains focused on the goal of winning a championship. "Getting college figured out was heavy on my mind. Now I can just concentrate on the rest of the season."
RoadRunners Head Coach / GM Scott Langer is pleased with Erik's commitment. "He's earned it, no question. I'm just surprised it didn't happen sooner. It's gratifying to see a player reach his goals with persistence and hard work." He added, "As an organization, we're all very proud of what Erik's done. He has proven himself to be a true RoadRunner."
NMU plays in the 3,800 seat Berry Events Center in Marquette, MI. They compete in the CCHA and have been a Division I program since 1976. Higby will be joining two former RoadRunners at NMU. Jared Brown (Lone Star Cavalry 2003-04, Santa Fe RoadRunners 2004-05) will be a senior next season and Reed Seckel (Topeka 2007-08) will join Higby as a freshman. Also on the Wildcat roster is Chad Pietila who played midgets with Higby and also played for the NAHL's Marquette Rangers.
North American Hockey League Stories from April 3, 2010
- Bobcats Blast Thunder In Game Two - Bismarck Bobcats
- 'Runners Strike Back - Topeka Pilots
- Stars grab Game Two, 4-0 - Traverse City North Stars
- Rangers in 0 â 2 Hole - Marquette Rangers
- Higby's Dream Comes True - Topeka Pilots
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