Phantoms' Schneider Commits to UConn
December 31, 2008 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Mahoning Valley Phantoms News Release
YOUNGSTOWN, OH (Wednesday, December 31st, 2008) - Mahoning Valley Phantoms forward Cole Schneider announced today that he has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey at the University of Connecticut in Storrs, CT.
Schneider, who has nine goals and eight assists in 25 games so far this season, accepted a scholarship to be a Husky starting in 2010.
On his way back from signing his letter of intent in Storrs, Schneider said that he was happy to know that both his education and his hockey career are set for the next few years.
"It feels pretty good to know that I've got a future somewhere once I'm finished playing for the Phantoms," said the Williamsville, NY, native.
The Huskies, in their 11th year as a Division I team, play in the up-and-coming Atlantic Hockey conference alongside the current #11 team in the country, Air Force.
Schneider made his commitment while on his official visit to Connecticut, where he toured the campus and took in a Huskies game at the Mark Edward Freitas Ice Forum, a 4-2 loss to conference foe Merrimack. The first-year forward said he hadn't made up his until the visit.
"I had a good meeting with Coach [Bruce] Marshall and the rest of the coaching staff," said the Phantoms' fourth-leading scorer, "and they took me around and showed me the campus. It's a beautiful place and a great school with a solid reputation. I was able to make my decision right there."
Signing on to play for UConn continues a big week for Schneider, who netted four goals in two games on Sunday and Monday to help the Phantoms sweep the Alpena IceDiggers and secure first place in the NAHL's North Division heading into the New Year.
Schneider is the fourth current Phantom to accept an NCAA D-I scholarship, following Brad Smith (Ohio State), Alex Lippincott (Ohio State) and Michael Gunn (Michigan State). He is the first Phantom this year to commit to a school outside of the CCHA.
The Phantoms hit the ice for the first time in 2009 against the Traverse City North Stars on Friday night at 7:05 PM as they open up a three-game series against their divisional foes.
North American Hockey League Stories from December 31, 2008
- U.S. Dropped by Canada In Wild Game at World Juniors - U.S. National Team
- Traverse City North Stars Roll, 6-3 - Traverse City North Stars
- Phantoms' Schneider Commits to UConn - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
- Phantoms Prepare for Mario Lemieux Foundation Jersey Auction - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
- Rangers Return - Marquette Rangers
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