Saturday, September 11, 2010

Future Lumberjack Cox commits to Michigan State

Press Release

Muskegon, Mich. – Joseph Cox, the Muskegon Lumberjacks’ second selection in the 2010 United States Hockey League Futures Draft, has made a verbal commitment to play hockey at Michigan State University.

Cox met with the Spartans’ coaching staff on Michigan State University’s campus in East Lansing Wednesday morning. After that meeting, he proceeded to Muskegon where he met with Lumberjacks Head Coach and General Manager Kevin Patrick. The 5-11, 165-pound right winger then decided the Lumberjacks and the United States Hockey League would be his vehicle to play college hockey at MSU.

“Joe has made a great decision in choosing the college hockey path,” Patrick said. “I look forward to his arrival in Muskegon and the opportunity to continue his development as he prepares for his time at Michigan State and afterward in the professional ranks. In choosing the NCAA path, Joe will give
himself not only the best opportunity to become a pro, but he is making a choice that will give him
the greatest opportunity for success in life.”

“I am looking forward to playing in Muskegon for the Lumberjacks.” Cox said. “I have enjoyed working with Coach Patrick and Dave Noel-Bernier over the summer and I can’t wait to put on the jersey.”

Cox’s birthday is Jan. 1, 1994, giving him four years of eligibility in the USHL. He’s played in the Compuware AAA Hockey Organization since the fall of 2004, winning four Tier-I state championships, and both a U-12 and U-14 national championship during that time.

It’s been an eventful year for Cox, who was named the State Championship MVP. He also captained the U.S.A. U-17 Select squad that won the gold medal at the Five-Nations Tournament in Huttwil, Switzerland in mid-August.

Cox attends Chelsea High School in Chelsea, Mich. He will play for the Compuware Ambassadors Midget Major team under the direction of Head Coach George Daniel, and will also see ice time with the Lumberjacks this season.

“Coach Daniel is a demanding coach who prepares his players well for future success at the junior hockey level and beyond,” Patrick said.

“(Lumberjacks owner) Josh Mervis is doing a very exciting thing by putting together a USHL team in Michigan that has a lot of Michigan players on the roster,” Cox said. “I know many of the players on this year's team and it gives us a chance to represent our state at the Tier I Junior level.”

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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