Lutz to Play for University of Vermont of ECAC
Published on March 24, 2004 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Soo Indians News Release
(Sault Ste. Marie, MI) Leading a team is nothing new to Indians captain and veteran defenseman Mark Lutz. Two seasons ago he captained the Team Wisconsin Midget AAA hockey team to a National Title defeating perennial powers Shattuck St. Mary's and Honeybaked in the same day. Last season as a rookie rearguard for the Indians, he again led his team into the National Tournament this time earning runner up honors.
This season the 6'-2", 200lb, right-hander from Stevens Pointe, Wisconsin, has made a major statement by leading the Indians to the Northern Division Title and hopefully another shot at a National Championship.
As of today, the Indians are proud to announce that Mark Lutz has committed to the University of Vermont after accepting an offer to play next season for the Catamounts of the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC).
In two seasons with the Indians, Lutz has been rock-solid on defense, playing pivotal roles in all situations. During the 2002-03 campaign, Lutz led all Indians defenseman in scoring with 5-goals and 25-assists for a total of 30-points. This season, he currently sits second in the NAHL in league scoring by a defenseman with 46-points. Lutz is tied for the league lead in goals scored by blueliners with 13-goals on the year, and his 34-assists are second best among D-men in the 21-team league.
"I can't say how happy I am for Mark and his family," stated Indians mentor Joe Shawhan. "I know the decision process was very difficult for Mark. He narrowed it down to a couple of outstanding schools and tormented the decision. Vermont is getting a great individual, a great student, and a great hockey player."
Mark Lutz is the fifth Indians player to commit to a school for next season joining Logan Bittle-Robert Morris, Stavros Paskaris-Wayne State, Derek Punches-Air Force, and Derek MacIntyre-Ferris State.
The Indians will wind up their regular season with a home series against second place Springfield Jr. Blues. With a win, the Indians will set a franchise record for wins, marking this season as their most successful NAHL season in team history. The Indians won 43-league games and 50-games overall during the 2000-01 campaign. Currently, the Indians have a 43-5-6 record in NAHL action and a 49-5-6 record overall. Their 92-points to date, are the second most all time by an NAHL team and have already eclipsed the Indians team record of 89-points set during the 2000-01 season.
North American Hockey League Stories from March 24, 2004
- Another step closer - U.S. National Team
- Bulls Forward Grabs Last Regular Season Player of the Week - Billings Bulls
- Lutz to Play for University of Vermont of ECAC - Soo Indians
- Jets Booster Club organizing a charger fan bus for Saturday, March 27 - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
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