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Stars' Schempp Commits to Ferris

November 30, 2011 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Traverse City North Stars News Release


TRAVERSE CITY - It's about 85 miles from Centre ICE Arena to Ferris State University, but it seems a lot closer.

Kyle Schempp, a rookie center from Saginaw, Mich., became the latest Traverse City North Stars player to commit to FSU, making it eight in less than three years.

Schempp, a 6-1, 180-lb. Compuware product, was Traverse City's first-round pick in the NAHL Draft in the spring, and has more than justified the selection with six goals and six assists through 20 games, including a trio of power play markers and a pair of game-winning tallies. He was a targeted by several collegiate programs, and found a comfort zone at Ferris.

"I think it was the best fit," he explained. "The style they play, the system they play within seemed like a good place for me. And academically, it was the right fit as well. The staff seems very supportive, and the coaches and players can teach me how to play at that next level."

Schempp played 40 games with Compuware during 2010-11, scoring 21 goals and assisting on nine others, but it was his all-around acumen that drew the attention of Stars head coach Fournier and GM Anthony Palumbo.

"He's very gifted offensively," Fournier said. "Kyle has that knack for making things happen. He plays tough and physical, and has really developed in is own end. He was a high-end midget player, and he had been drafted in the USHL so we took a bit of a chance in picking him, but fortunately for us he ended up here. He's really a well-rounded player."

Schempp, currently a senior at Traverse City Central High with a 3.75 GPA, has long eyed a career in athletic training - a degree he'll pursue at Ferris. He says he'll apply the lessons learned at the midget and junior levels on and off the collegiate ice.

"It's about putting in the work, day-in and day-out," Schempp surmised. "And if you're not ready to work, there won't be a place for you to play."

By the time Schempp arrives at Ferris State, it's possible that more than a quarter of the Bulldogs roster will consist of North Stars alums - Garrett Thompson, C.J. Motte, Travis White, and Andy Huff are currently playing for FSU, while Zack Dorer and Seth Adams have also committed for future enrollments (Kyle Bonis is a currently in his junior season at FSU).

"I haven't played with those guys," Schempp said. "But I got to meet a couple when I was down on a visit. It says something that so many guys (from TC) have gone on to play there and do well."

Schempp cites a laundry list of people who have been influential in his playing career, including a support system at home.

"All the coaches and teammates I've had, the family and friends - they've all helped push me to get better, and have helped me get this opportunity. Nobody makes it in hockey without them."

Schempp and the North Stars welcome the top two teams in the NAHL North Division to Centre ICE this weekend, as first-place Port Huron visits on Friday and second-place Kalamazoo on Saturday. Schempp has been especially effective against the former, with eight of his twelve points coming against the Falcons this year, including a four-point outburst on Sept. 28.

"It's an important weekend," he added. "We want to win the division, and move on in the playoffs to nationals. All that starts now."

NORTH STARS ALL-TIME NCAA COMMITMENTS

Seth Adams (11-12), Ferris State (CCHA)

Kelin Ainsworth (09-11), Lake Superior State (CCHA)

Arthur Bidwill (05-06), Colorado College (WCHA)

Kyle Bonis (07-09), Ferris State (CCHA)

Clinton Bourbonais (07-08), Yale (Hockey East)

Alex Breeden (06-08), Wisconsin-Stout (WIAC)

Sean Burke (08-10), Finlandia Univ. (MCHA)

Doug Clifford (09-10), Niagara (AHA)

Zeke Costello (05-06), Nichols College (ECAC)

Kent Detlefsen (06-07), Wisconsin-Stevens Pt. (WIAC)

Chris Dienes (10-11), Western Michigan (CCHA)

Ryan Donovan (05-06), Finlandia Univ. (MCHA)

Zack Dorer (10-11), Ferris State (CCHA)

Danny Dries (05-06), Ohio State (CCHA)

Eric Elmblad (05-06), Michigan (CCHA)

Brett Englebright (06-07), Nichols College (ECAC)

Mike Glaesmer (06-07), St. Mary's (MIAC)

Chris Heineman (06-10), Wisconsin-Eau Claire (NCHA/WIAC)

Curtis Heinz (09-11), Wentworth Inst. of Technology (ECAC)

Andy Huff (09-10), Ferris State (CCHA)

Matt Hughes (06-08), Lawrence (MCHA)

Kyle Jean (08-10), Lake Superior State (CCHA)

Brett Jendra (06-07), SUNY-Brockport (SUNYAC)

David Johnstone (08-09), Michigan State (CCHA)

Kory Kaunisto (06-08), Northern Michigan (CCHA)

Sabastion Kimmel (09-10), Trinity College (NESCAC)

Chris Leibinger (10-12), Michigan Tech (WCHA)

Jon Madden (05-07), Wisconsin-Stevens Pt. (NCHA)

Tyler Marble (08-11), Lake Superior State (CCHA)

Eric McLintock (08-10), Wisconsin-River Falls (NCHA/WIAC)

C.J. Motte (09-10), Ferris State (CCHA)

Patrick Nagorsen (05-07), Western Michigan (CCHA)

Nilan Nagy (09-10), Holy Cross (AHA)

Harrison Niemann (06-08), Wisconsin-Stevens Pt. (NCHA)

Eric O'Hearn (07-09), Wisconsin-Eau Claire (NCHA/WIAC)

Steven Oleksy (05-06), Lake Superior State (CCHA)

Tim Opie (08-11), Lake Superior State (CCHA)

Travis Paeth (05-06), Western Michigan (CCHA)

Chris Paliafito (08-10), Sacred Heart (AHA)

Phil Partyka (06-07), Wayne State (CHA)

Aaron Pietila (06-07), Michigan Tech (WCHA)

Ben Plocar (06-08), Milwaukee School of Engineering (MCHA)

Dan Radke (08-10), Lake Superior State (CCHA)

Jameson Raymond (06-08), Lawrence (MCHA)

Jarrett Rush (05-06), Curry College (ECAC)

Chris Salomone (08-10), Wisconsin-River Falls (NCHA/WIAC)

Mike Sand (06-07), Niagara, Wisconsin-Stevens Pt. (NCHA)

Kyle Schempp (11-12), Ferris State (CCHA)

Mike Schenfeld (08-09), Milwaukee School of Engineering (MCHA)

Connor Schmidt (10-11), Ferris State (CCHA)

Anthony Schooley (06-07), Michigan Tech (WCHA)

Eric Scovill (06-07), Wisconsin-Stout (WIAC)

Jonathan Sheridan (07-08), Lawrence Univ. (MCHA)

Alec Shields (09-11), Mercyhurst College (AHA)

Nick Shkreli (09-10), Lake Superior State (CCHA)

Tyler Stephens (07-09), Wisconsin-Eau Claire (NCHA/WIAC)

Brandon Stephenson (07-09), Wisconsin-Eau Claire (NCHA/WIAC)

Garrett Thompson (07-10), Ferris State (CCHA)

Nick Von Bokern (06-07), Nebraska-Omaha (CCHA)

Travis White (08-11), Ferris State (CCHA)

Richie Zobak (06-07), Plymouth State (ECAC)



North American Hockey League Stories from November 30, 2011


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