Vandercook Commits to Northern Michigan
Published on June 13, 2011 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Wenatchee Wild News Release
WENATCHEE, Wash. - Former Wenatchee Wild captain D.J. Vandercook is going back to Michigan for the next stage of his hockey career. A native of Farmington Hills, Mich., Vandercook committed to continue his education and hockey career at Division I Northern Michigan University this fall.
"It's an exciting time for myself, my family and those close to me," Vandercook said. "It's a goal that every hockey player wants to play in the NHL someday. Getting to play Division I hockey gets you one step closer, and Northern Michigan has given me that opportunity. Finally seeing it pay off and getting closer to the ultimate goal is really exciting for me."
Vandercook was one of the Wild's original members. He scored 30 goals and 20 assists (50 points) during the organization's inaugural NAHL season in 2008-09. He went on to record 20 points (10G, 10A) in the 2009 playoffs where the upstart Wild eventually fell to St. Louis in the Robertson Cup championship game.
Vandercook went on to be selected in the second-round of the 2009 USHL Entry Draft by the Des Moines Buccaneers. He notched 16 points (7G, 9A) in 56 games with the Buccaneers in 2009-10.
The Wild re-signed Vandercook on Sept. 30, 2010. Vandercook was even better in his second stint with the Wild. He scored 22 goals with 34 assists (56 points) during the 2010-11 season and eventually became the team's captain. He also earned two SBK Hockey/NAHL West Player of the Week honors and was a member of Team West, which won the second NAHL Top Prospects Tournament of the season in February.
"He carries himself in a very professional manner," said Wild assistant coach Chris Clark. "So when he talks, people listen. When he came back everybody wanted to hear what he had to say."
Vandercook scored three goals and three assists in seven Robertson Cup playoff games in 2011. He is the Wild's all-time regular-season career leader in assists (54) and is second in club history behind Michael Di Puma in goals (52) and points (106).
"I think where D.J. improved the most [from his first season to his season with the Wild] is in his maturity," said Clark. "When he first got here, he was an 18-year-old kid right out of high school. By the time he left here, he was one of our best leaders. His skills improved, too. His knowledge of the game improved. He is a stronger player and a stronger person for everything that he has gone through."
The Northern Michigan Wildcats play in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) and last won the NCAA title in 1991. The Wildcats are under the direction of Walt Kyle, who has guided the team to six 20-win seasons since he took over the program in 2002.
North American Hockey League Stories from June 13, 2011
- Vandercook Commits to Northern Michigan - Wenatchee Wild
- Monsters to Hold Merchandise Clearance Sale, NHL Watch Party Tonight - Fresno Monsters
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
