Hill Commits to UAF
Published on November 15, 2010 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Topeka Pilots News Release
In his second season as a RoadRunner, team captain and leading scorer Michael Hill has committed to play his Division I college for the University of Alaska - Fairbanks beginning in fall 2011.
His junior career began in Wichita Falls with the Wildcats in 2008-09, but he only played in only 12 games before choosing to leave the program. "I just never felt comfortable, never felt like I fit in there", Hill said of his time with the Wildcats. He had a modest two goals and three assists, but had caught the eye of RoadRunners head scout Tom Kelly, who kept tabs on Hill as he played the rest of the season with the Dallas Stars Midget AAA program. The following season he easily made the RoadRunners roster and went on to score 31 goals, most on the team. This season he was named team captain after spurning the USHL despite being a first round draft pick. He has responded by producing at a torrid pace, leading the team with 29 points through 18 games (16 goals and 13 assists). Now, he been rewarded with a Division I college deal that he once listed as a leading short term goal. Getting it secured early in his final season of juniors is a blessing. "It's a huge relief", Hill said after Monday's practice. "Now I can just focus on helping this team reach our collective goals."
Being named captain has been an honor, one that Hill regards with due reverence. "Topeka has a strong lineage of captaincy and I hope to live up to the expectations." Though he doesn't view himself as a loud vocal leader, he says, "I try to treat everyone the same. Being a captain hasn't changed who I am, how I prepare myself or how I deal with teammates." RoadRunners Head Coach / GM Scott Langer says, "Michael's every day work ethic is contagious. Most people see him for his ability to score goals, but he brings so much more to the ice than that." He added, "The coaching staff at UAF is well respected and will do a tremendous job in helping Michael grow as a player."
Hill plans on majoring in either physical therapy or kinesiology. With his junior resume, he had a few options to consider but chose UAF. "It wasn't easy", Hill said of the decision. "In the end, it was just like when I chose to return to Topeka. They really made me feel wanted and appreciated." He credits his family for providing support throughout the whole process. "I've had a lot of big choices to make and they have helped me so much. I'm grateful to have a strong support system at home." Living life in the Alaskan interior is quite a departure from Fort Worth, TX or Topeka, KS for that matter, but Hill is unfazed. "I've been there before. Yeah, it's pretty cold but I'm not planning on being outside a whole lot. I'll be there for school and hockey."
After college, Hill envisions a couple of different possible paths. "I'd love to play hockey professionally, so we'll see what opportunities arise. If not, I'll have a degree and a head start on a good career." There IS one other facet he may choose to explore. "I might be interested in coaching hockey. We'll see what happens." He's had some solid role models to inspire him in that direction during his time in Topeka. "Smacks (Scott Langer) and (assistant coach) R.J. (Enga) are the main reasons I came back to Topeka. I trusted them to help me advance my career and they did everything they said they would." He added, "They're the best coaches I've ever played for."
Playing for his coaches has been part of what fuels Michael Hill, but playing for his teammates, fans, and family is what he lists as his most rewarding part of playing junior hockey. As he continues with his fellow RoadRunners in their quest for the Robertson Cup, the fans in Topeka can enjoy watching as another young man entertains them with his skills as he grows before their very eyes.
Hill is the second RoadRunner from the years roster to secure his college commitment, joining Rasmus Tirronen who last month committed to Merrimack University. The Alaska Nanooks play in the Division I CCHA. Hill will join another former RoadRunner, Aaron Gens who will be a senior at UAF next season. Hill and Tirronen are both slated to play in next months Top Prospects Tournament in Walpole, MA.
North American Hockey League Stories from November 15, 2010
- Hill Commits to UAF - Topeka Pilots
- Wenatchee Wild Series Preview Notes V. Alaska Avalanche - Wenatchee Wild
- Monsters Weekly - Fresno Monsters
- NAHL Announces Players of the Week - NAHL
- Rays Report #2: Road Trip - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Bulls Win 5th in a Row - Amarillo Bulls
- Wichita Falls Wildcats Insider - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Jordan Davis Shines as 'Runners Sweep - Topeka Pilots
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