Phantoms' Graham commits to Ferris State
March 26, 2007 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Mahoning Valley Phantoms News Release
BOARDMAN, Ohio - Mahoning Valley Phantoms center Derek Graham has accepted a scholarship to play college hockey at Ferris State University beginning in the 2008-2009 season.
"It happened so quickly that I'm still a bit overwhelmed," Graham said.
Ferris State is located in Big Rapids, Mich. The Bulldogs are members of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association, which includes rivals Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State and Notre Dame among others.
"(Ferris State) Coach (Bob) Daniels watched me a few weekends ago up in Alpena," Graham said. "He stayed another day to see a second game. Two days later, I was given an offer."
He is the son of Dan and Judy Graham of Schoolcraft, Mich. During the season, Graham lives with Phantoms host family Mark and Connie Hughes of Liberty.
"Derek is just another guy who has worked hard and can now look forward to the next part of his life," Phantoms coach Bob Mainhardt said.
Graham becomes the second Phantom to head to Ferris State, joining former Phantom and current sophomore defenseman Evan Case. He has followed the Bulldogs since he began playing hockey at the Mite level.
"I went to their (Ferris State's) summer hockey camps when I was eight until I was twelve," Graham said. "They've been a top choice of mine for some time."
With his commitment secured more than a year in advance, Graham will return next fall for a second stint with the Phantoms. Mainhardt joked, "It breaks my heart that we'll have him for another season."
In 51 games this season, Graham has 57 points on 18 goals and 39 assists, tying him for 18th in North American Hockey League scoring. Among his 39 assists include 22 on the power play, tying him for fourth in the NAHL.
Graham has seen numerous parts of his game improve over the course of the season and plans to utilize next season to hone other skills.
"I'm doing pretty well with my vision, distributing the puck and being in power play situations," Graham said. "I want to get bigger and stronger this summer. But for now, I'd like to be more consistent and improve my shot."
The Phantoms center has his eyes focused on the ultimate team prize now that his decision on where to play at the next level is taken care of.
"I can begin to relax and move on now," Graham said. "It gets easier to focus on and work harder towards the next game and, ultimately, a chance at winning a national championship."
The 2007 Robertson Cup national tournament will be held in Fairbanks, Alaska from May 3-6. The Phantoms seek their second consecutive trip to the championships after finishing fourth in the event last season as the host team.
Graham is the eighth current Phantom to commit to an NCAA program. He joins goaltender Ryan Zapolski (Mercyhurst), left wing Chris Fairbanks (Alabama-Huntsville), right wing Nathan Longpre (Robert Morris), right wing Alden Hirschfeld (Miami of Ohio), center Dustin Cloutier (Bentley), defenseman Eric Ringel (Notre Dame) and right wing Matt Quigley (Northeastern).
The Phantoms, currently in their fourth NAHL season, have seen 21 former players move on to play NCAA Division I hockey.
This season, the Phantoms (45-14-1) clinched their first-ever NAHL North Division regular season title. Earlier this year, they won a franchise-record 19 consecutive games.
The Phantoms host the U.S. National Team at the Ice Zone on Mar. 30-31 to conclude their regular season. Face-off both nights is at 7 p.m.
The following week, the Phantoms will host the Marquette Rangers in the North Division semifinals. Playoff dates will be announced later this week.
North American Hockey League Stories from March 26, 2007
- Phantoms' Graham commits to Ferris State - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
- Final Regular Season Weekend Full of Intrigue and Playoff Fever - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
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