Phantoms announce more college signings
Published on March 29, 2005 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Mahoning Valley Phantoms News Release
Boardman, Ohio (Tuesday, March 29, 2005) â Youngstown Phantoms Head Coach and General Manager Bob Mainhardt has announced that two of his players, Rob Rassey and Evan Case, have accepted NCAA Division One hockey scholarships.
Rassey will continue his academic and hockey skills at Holy Cross. Located in Worcester, Massachusetts, the Crusaders compete in the conference known as Atlantic Hockey. Their conference rivals include Army, Connecticut, Mercyhurst, and Bentley College, who signed Rassey's linemate Anthony Canzoneri earlier this year.
"Holy Cross is making a name for themselves in college hockey. They made the NCAA tournament last season, and they have a commitment to academics for their players that I really respect. I'm also very excited about playing close to Boston," said Rassey.
Rassey, a native of Shelby Twp., Michigan, is the Phantoms all-time leader in scoring and assists. In two seasons, Rassey scored 125 points, on 48 goals and 77 assists, in 111 games. This season, he finished fifth in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) in scoring with 72 points, tied for third with Canzoneri in assists (43), and tied for eighth in goals (29).
"Rob is very gifted athletically and academically. He is the right fit for Holy Cross. He had a number of options to consider, and he has a tremendous opportunity to make an impact on the ice right away and get a quality education," said Mainhardt.
Case will head to Big Rapids, Michigan to play for the Ferris State Bulldogs of the CCHA (Central Collegiate Hockey Association); a conference that includes the likes of Ohio State, Michigan, Notre Dame, and Miami of Ohio. The Bulldogs made it to hockey's version of the âElite Eight' in 2003 before losing to eventual NCAA champion Minnesota. It has yet to be determined if Case will join Ferris State in the fall of 2005 or 2006. Should it be the latter, Case could return to the Phantoms next season, possibly as team captain.
"It's a dream come true. Michigan has quite a few college hockey teams (eight) and Ferris State was a team that I grew up watching and I saw myself playing for them. It's great for me; I'll only be a few hours from home, so my family and I won't be just a phone call away," said Case.
This season, Case, from Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan, assumed the role left last year by captain and defenseman Charley Fetzer, who saw significant ice time this season as a freshman at Miami. Not only did Case wear the same sweater #5 as his predecessor, but he excelled in the same manner. In 46 games, Case scored six goals and added 12 assists for 18 points. He finished tied for fourth in the NAHL among defenseman with four powerplay goals.
"We knew of Evan's upside coming into the season, and he enhanced his skills over the course of this season. He has a wealth of potential as a college hockey player, and he knew that Ferris State was the place for him. Playing in the CCHA, we'll have a chance to see him play, hopefully, when they come to Ohio and play the Buckeyes and (Miami) Red Hawks," said Mainhardt.
Rassey and Case will lead the Phantoms as they faceoff against the Sault Ste. Marie Indians in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) North Division Semifinals, beginning this Friday and Saturday, April 1-2 in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Both games are scheduled at 7:00pm. The best-of-five series will return to Boardman at The Ice Zone on Wednesday, April 6 for game three, and on Friday, April 8 for a game four, if necessary. Both home games start at 7:15pm. Advanced tickets are available at The Ice Zone ticket booth, located at 360 McClurg Rd., or by calling (330) 965-7500.
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