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USHL Tri-City Storm

Storm F Dan Labosky Commits to the University of Wisconsin

November 4, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Tri-City Storm News Release


Tri-City Storm Forward Dan Labosky
Tri-City Storm Forward Dan Labosky
(Tri-City Storm)

Kearney, Ne. - One year ago, Storm forward Dan Labosky said he made one of the most gut-wrenching decisions of his life. He had achieved his "dream", to play Division I college hockey, but chose to leave Colorado College.

Late Tuesday, Labosky, 20, made "the most-difficult decision" he said he's ever faced, committing to the University of Wisconsin.

"I just wanted to make sure it was the right decision," said Labosky, breathing deeply with eyes wide open. "It helped talking with my family and it was a huge weight lifted off my shoulders."

After leaving Colorado College last November, Labosky needed time to regroup, going home for Thanksgiving in Minnesota. After a holiday break, Jim Hulton, former Storm Head Coach, asked him to return for a second season in Tri-City.

"When I came back, everyone here was really nice to me which made it easier."

His first game back, Dec. 6 at Dubuque, Labosky earned an assist, the first of 24 points accumulated in 41 regular season games. In the 2015 Clark Cup Playoffs, the 5-foot-7, 160-lb. winger contributed two goals and four points in seven games.

"I worked my butt off this summer to get back to the point of being a college hockey player," said Labosky.

In September, during the preseason, the native of Edina, MN caught up with a familiar face, Wisconsin Assistant Coach J.B. Bittner, as assistant with the Storm the previous two seasons. Labosky's two-year connection with Bittner sparked his interest in Madison, WI, a four-hour drive from his home.

"He really helped me a lot the last two years," said Labosky. "It's a huge opportunity and I'll always have a coach in my corner.

Storm Head Coach and General Manager Bill Muckalt named Labosky an assistant captain two days before the regular season opener.

"He's been a tremendous leader for this team," said Muckalt. "We're really excited for Dan and happy he'll have a chance to reestablish himself as a Division I hockey player."

"It was a huge honor to be named a leader and it's really gratifying to see the young guys perform and get better," said Labosky. "I'm a vocal leader and I like to get the guys going in the locker room."

The 300th active USHL commit to college, Labosky said his second collegiate decision, to wear Badgers red and white, symbolizes his growth as a young man.

"Whatever you do in these big decisions are a leap of faith. I've grown up so much in the last year or two which has helped me become a better person."

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Tri-City travels to Lincoln for a 7:05 p.m. puck drop against the Stars, next Friday, Nov. 6. The Storm is also on the road next Saturday, a 7:00 p.m. puck drop against the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders. Both games can be heard with 6:45 p.m. pregame on the Breeze 94.5 FM.

The Storm is next at home for a pair of games the Sioux Falls Stampede, Nov. 20 and 21, at the Viaero Center. Check out Social Media Night and College Night on Friday, Nov. 20. The 501stLegion is in town to celebrate Star Wars Night on Nov. 21, with in-game Star Wars entertainment throughout the evening.

For more information and to purchase tickets, contact the Viaero Event Center Box Office at 308-338-8011.

Check out the Tri-City Storm Statistics




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Tri-City Storm Forward Dan Labosky
Tri-City Storm Forward Dan Labosky
   

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