Michaelis Commits to Minnesota State
October 2, 2014 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Minnesota Magicians News Release
The Minnesota Magicians are excited to announce that forward Marc Michaelis committed to play Division I hockey at Minnesota State University, Mankato of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA).
A Mannheim, Germany native, Michaelis spent last season playing for Jungadler Mannheim in the German Development League, Deutsche Nachwuchsliga (DNL) where he put up impressive numbers. Throughout the 2013-2014 regular season and playoffs, he amassed 72 points on 31 goals and 41 assists. In June, he was drafted by the Magicians in the 2014 North American Hockey League (NAHL) draft.
Early into the current season, which is his first in the NAHL, Michaelis is just beginning to show the offensive prowess that has made him a highly coveted prospect. Through the Magicians first 6 games, he leads the team with 8 points (4g and 4a). Additionally, he scored the game winning goal to cap off a 3 point performance in the Magicians' home opener on September 26th at Richfield Ice Arena.
Speaking about his milestone, Michaelis was very gracious for the support that he has received throughout his career, stating "I would like to thank my parents for supporting me from the first time I stepped on the ice to now. They have sacrificed so much that I could achieve my goals and I am thankful to have parents like that. I would also like to thank my coaches over the last years, Helmut DeRaaf, Petteri Väkiparta, Frank Fischöder and my current coach Tom Upton who not only made me a better player, they also made me better as a person. I would also like to thank Jay Ludnowsky for all his support."
On Michaelis' commitment, Magicians Head Coach and General Mananger, Tom Upton said "We are very proud of Marc and his commitment. Minnesota State is a great University and has a great hockey program. It was a right fit for Marc and his family's needs as a student and hockey player. We are extremely excited to know that he will be well taken care of by a very good coaching staff at Mankato. In his short time here Marc has proved that being a great person and working hard to get better every day can help you achieve goals, we are proud to call him a Magician!"
When he eventually suits up for the Mavericks, Michaelis will be joining two other former NAHL players currently on the Minnesota State roster, Casey Nelson (Johnstown) and Aaron Nelson (Bismarck). He'll also be teaming up with good friend and fellow Minnesota State, Mankato commit, Parker Tuomie, who played with Wenatchee of the NAHL last season. Michaelis noted, "It is special to spend probably the best time of my life with one of my best friends. I am very excited and thankful to get this great opportunity from Mankato."
For now, however, Michaelis says he is excited to continue his development in the Twin Cities this season with a college scholarship in hand.
"I would like to thank the whole Magicians organization starting from the management, over the great coaching staff, to the players to push me and make me better every day. I am looking forward to a great season with the boys."
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