Phantoms announce college commitments
October 12, 2006 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Mahoning Valley Phantoms News Release
BOARDMAN, Ohio- Mahoning Valley Phantoms captain and center Chris Fairbanks, goaltender Ryan Zapolski and center Nathan Longpre have all committed to NCAA Division 1 hockey programs for the 2007-2008 season, Phantoms head coach and general manager Bob Mainhardt announced today.
Fairbanks has signed a letter of intent to play for the University of Alabama-Huntsville Mustangs, which competes in the College Hockey America Conference along with Bemidji State, Niagara, Robert Morris and Wayne State.
Fairbanks will join former Phantom Joe Federoff on the Mustangs. Federoff, who transferred following his freshman season at Robert Morris, will begin play with UAH in January.
"I think that UAH knows that Chris will push himself, regardless of the circumstances. He has selected his college, but he continues to display a strong work ethic and that's why he'll still do the job this season," Mainhardt said. "It's one of the reasons why he's wearing the 'C' on his jersey."
Last season, Fairbanks recorded 25 points on seven goals and 18 assists in 53 games with the Phantoms. The right winger from Milford, Mich., is second on the team in scoring with nine points on five goals and four assists in nine games this season.
"When I came to play for the Phantoms last year, I had set two goals for myself. One was to eventually play college hockey at the division one level," Fairbanks said. "The second is to win a national championship. I'm looking forward to playing in Huntsville next year. I can now focus on improving my game and winning a national championship with the Phantoms."
Zapolski, a native of Erie, Pa., will return to his hometown to play at Mercyhurst College next fall. The Lakers play out of the 10-team Atlantic Hockey Conference with such teams as Air Force, Army, Bentley, Connecticut and Holy Cross.
"Ryan is one of the best goalies to play for a team of mine in a long time. I'm also pleased with his work ethic. Like Chris, he'll push himself hard. I think we've yet to see the tip of the iceberg with him," added Mainhardt.
Zapolski was 21-12-4 last year, in 39 games, to go with a 2.85 goals-against average, a .917 save percentage and three shutouts. In six appearances this season, he is 3-3 with a 4.33 goals against and a .883 save percentage. Ryan, a graduate of Cathedral Prep High School is the son of Ray and Sue Zapolski of Erie.
"I grew up less than 10 minutes from the campus," Zapolski said. "Not only am I very excited to be playing college hockey next year, but to return home and play in front of my family and friends is a thrill. I know my family is just as excited as I am."
Longpre, from Peterborough, Ontario, Canada will play for the Colonials of Robert Morris University, just outside Pittsburgh.
"Nathan is a gifted player who can make an immediate impact at the collegiate level," Mainhardt said. "He will continue to mature both on and off the ice."
Nathan is currently tied for third on the Phantoms in scoring with eight points on two goals and six assists in nine games. Last year, with the Peterborough Stars of the Ontario Provincial Junior Hockey, Longpre finished tied for 17th in league scoring with 67 points on 24 goals and 43 assists in 48 games.
"I'm looking forward to playing college hockey at Robert Morris next year," Longpre said. "I'm trying to work on my individual and team skills this season. I want to do well and win with the Phantoms, and I want to prepare myself for the next level."
The Mahoning Valley Phantoms are members of the North American Hockey League, the largest and oldest junior 'A' hockey league in the United States. In less than four seasons, 16 Phantoms have now committed to an NCAA program under Mainhardt. Beginning this fall, the NCAA will have 65 men's hockey programs at the Division 1 level.
The Mahoning Valley Phantoms are owned by the B.J. Alan Company - Phantom Fireworks which is headquartered in Youngstown, Ohio.
North American Hockey League Stories from October 12, 2006
- IceDiggers announce Sunday's game is "Family Day" - Alpena IceDiggers
- Roadrunners update - Topeka Pilots
- Phantoms announce college commitments - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
- Phantoms to descend on TC - Traverse City North Stars
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
