Two More 'Runners Secure College Plans
Published on February 8, 2011 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Topeka Pilots News Release
In two separate deals reached on Monday, current Topeka RoadRunners Brian Christie and Justin Hussar committed to play Division I hockey for Merrimack College. Hussar will begin in the Fall Semester of 2012 and Christie will join in the Fall of 2013.
Brian Christie, a 6'2" 180 lb forward from West Chester, PA (about 45 minutes west of Philadelphia) is third on his team in scoring with 43 points at the time of his commitment, but leads the team in both plus/minus at +31, and in shot percentage, with an impressive .224. He also has a point in 9 of his last 10 games. It was a recent campus visit that convinced him to choose Merrimack. " During my visit I had a good feel on campus", Christie said. "The biggest thing for me was the coaching staff. I really liked the whole staff they are definitely coaches I want to play for." As far as his major, he hasn't singled one out but intends to focus on some area of business. He acknowledges his coaches in Topeka for helping him prepare for the next level. "
They have been pushing me all season to develop my game, and put me in good situations to succeed. I could not credit them more."
With his college future secured, Christie feels he can concentrate more on team goals. "
This gives me the oppurtunity to fully focus on our goal of winning the Robertson Cup, and I could not be more excited to make our run at it." He continues to enjoy playing in Topeka. "
I enjoy all the people that work with the team and that are involved with the organization. The fans here in Topeka couldn't be more supportive of us as well. It truly makes it fun to play here." Head Coach Scott Langer says of Christie, "Brian is a player that does so many little things well, and he makes others around him better. Merrimack is getting a quality hockey player in Brian Christie."
Justin Hussar, the youngest player on the RoadRunners roster is currently second on the team in scoring with 45 points. At 6'2", 190 lbs. the forward from Lancaster, NY has had a tremendous rookie season and solid impact on his team. "It's easy to forget he's the youngest player on the roster", said Langer. "He plays with a veteran presence and level of composure that will take him far in his playing career." Hussar himself was surprised to land a deal so quickly. "I wasn't really expecting anything, i just went out there every night and played my best game." He plans on pursuing Business Management in school. Choosing Merrimack was a fairly simple process. "The overall experience on campus and the instant connection I had with the coaches made the decision pretty easy for me", Hussar said. He went on to praise his current coaches for their role in his success. "My coaches played a huge role by giving me the opportunity to play and show that i can compete at a high level. My coaches advised me and helped me make my decision. They guided me and put me in situations that helped me succeed." Like his teammate Christie, getting college plans handled early affects his approach to the remainder of the season. "It motivates me even more to step up my game to help the Topeka RoadRunners win the Robertson Cup." When asked what was the best part about choosing to play his junior hockey in Topeka, Hussar replied, "The love and support we get from our fans and playing for the best coaches, owner and organization in the league."
The Merrimack Warriors play in NCAA Division I Hockey East. Head Coach Mark Dennehy recently signed a contract extension through 2016. Hussar and Christie will reunite with RoadRunner goalie Rasmus Tirronen who earlier this season committed to Merrimack for Fall 2011. Other current RoadRunners with Division I college plans include Michael Hill (University of Alaska - Fairbanks) and Pat Conte (Niagara University).
North American Hockey League Stories from February 8, 2011
- Two More 'Runners Secure College Plans - Topeka Pilots
- Ex-Rays Roster Finalized for Tilt on Friday - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Bulls Announce Transactions at Trade Deadline - Amarillo Bulls
- Fighting Falcons to Give Away 2011-12 Season Tickets in Humane Society Raffle - Port Huron Fighting Falcons
- Stars Deal at Deadline - Traverse City North Stars
- Rays Report: Pink in the Rink Is Coming - Corpus Christi IceRays
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