Texas Tornado Defenseman Tyler Rostenkowski Commits to Air Force
January 6, 2011 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Texas Tornado News Release
FRISCO, TEXAS - (January 5, 2011) - Texas Tornado Head Coach and General Manager Tony Curtale is pleased to announce that Texas Tornado defenseman Tyler Rostenkowski (5'10/184) has accepted a scholarship offer to attend the United States Air Force Academy and play for the Division I Falcons men's hockey team beginning the Fall of 2012. Rostenkowski, 17, becomes the second player on the Tornado roster that is committed to an NCAA Division I school (David Rigatti/Robert Morris College). The Bloomingdale, IL native is in his second year with Texas and is the second youngest player on the roster.
"I really enjoyed my visit to Air Force and I was so impressed with the facilities and coaching staff. Academically and athletically I think it is one of the best institutions in the country, so I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity," said an elated Rostenkowski. "A lot credit has to go to Tony Curtale and the coaching staff here in Texas because I feel I have developed a lot since coming here from Culver (Military Academy) as a young 16-year-old back in 2009." Rostenkowski is in his second season with the Tornado. He played in 32 games last year with Texas, scoring nine points. This season, Rostenkowski has played in 28 games, scoring five points, and is third on the team with a +6 rating.
"We are very happy and proud of Tyler with his collegiate commitment," said Curtale. "He should be a great fit for Air Force. Head Coach Frank Serratore does a great job with that program and really believes in the type of player he gets from the North American Hockey League. He is getting a guy in Tyler that has leadership qualities written all over him and will be a nice addition to their team." According to Curtale, Rostenkowski has improved remarkably in his defensive game as he now prepares for the collegiate level. "He is more aware of what goes on in a hockey game and has really accepted a leadership role along the blueline, so we have seen a nice and natural progression out of him."
Rostenkowski won't be the first Tornado player to play at the Air Force Academy. Former Tornado players Brian Gineo (2001-02) and John Kruse (2007-08) also went to Air Force. Under the direction of Head Coach Frank Serratore, who is in his 14th season, the Falcons are competing in their 43rd season of Division I hockey. Serratore is the winningest coach in Air Force hockey history and has led the Falcons to three straight league championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. Air Force currently has the most NAHL graduates on their roster (20) than any other team in NCAA hockey.
The Texas Tornado, proud members of the 27-team North American Hockey League, are back in 2010-11 for another season of exciting family entertainment at the state-of-the-art Dr Pepper Arena in Frisco, which now offers more seating, more amenities and more great action featuring the players that are the future of hockey. Since their inception in 1999, the Texas Tornado has set the standard for excellence for hockey for players 21 and under in the United States. Besides their three straight National Championships from 2004-2006, the Tornado has won seven NAHL Regular Season Division titles and had seven straight 40+ win seasons from 1999-2007. Since 1999, the Tornado have developed and moved on over 110 players in nine years onto NHL, NCAA and professional teams.
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