Kaunisto Commits to NMU
Published on May 19, 2004 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Soo Indians News Release
(Sault Ste. Marie, MI) The Soo Kewadin Casinos Indians Jr. A Hockey Club is confirming that rookie forward Ray Kaunisto of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, has committed to play college hockey at Northern Michigan University of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA). The smooth skating, 6'-3" forward, will join a long line of former Indians to play for the Wildcats, including All-American Chris Gobert, who turned professional this season after a stellar college career with NMU. Other former Indian's standouts include; former Wildcat Juha Alen, who signed with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks after just one season at Northern, and Jamie Milam, who was NAHL Rookie of the Year for the Indians in 2001-02 and captured CCHA All Rookie team honors in 2002-03. Kaunisto will also eventually join current Wildcat and former Indian's goaltender Bill Zaniboni.
Kaunisto joined the Indians this past season after two outstanding campaigns with the Indians Midget AAA program. "Ray drew interest from both colleges and National Hockey League scouts for his play down the stretch. While the NHL Central Scouting Bureau, along with numerous teams were following goalie Derek MacIntyre, they kept asking about our 6'-3" youngster. He skates extremely well and likes the rough going. His potential is outstanding both at the college and professional level," stated Indians Coach Joe Shawhan.
Kaunisto will be entering his senior year of high school in the fall and will return to the Indians lineup for the 2004-05 season.
Ray Kaunisto is the ninth Indians player from the 2003-04 team to commit to an NCAA school. Others include Logan Bittle (Robert Morris), Stavros Paskaris (Wayne State), Mark Lutz (Vermont), Derek MacIntyre (Ferris State), Derek Punches (Air Force), Jason Blain (Northeastern University) and Jim Jorgensen (Ferris State) and Adam Dekker (Utica College). In addition, rookie defenseman Veli-Antti Leinonen has decided to forego U.S. College Hockey and play professionally in Finland and is in negotiations with Oulun Karpat, of the Finnish Elite League.
North American Hockey League Stories from May 19, 2004
- Kaunisto Commits to NMU - Soo Indians
- Bobcats added through draft - Bismarck Bobcats
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