Friday, February 18, 2011

Angeli Headed to Ohio State University

Press Release

Tri-City Storm forward Darik Angeli has declared his intentions to play collegiate hockey at Ohio State University beginning in the 2011-12 season.

"I feel that the Ohio State coaching staff will push me to my highest and fullest potential in hockey during my college career, and it seemed like a good overall fit for me," said Angeli. "Ohio State has a great history in sports, and the hockey program has a winning attitude like the rest of the athletic program."

Angeli, 20, is the second leading scorer for the Storm with 20 points (9g, 11a) in a combined 42 games this season. He began the 2010-11 season playing six games with the Chicago Steel before being acquired by the Storm in a trade. In his debut with his new team, the forward scored two goals, including the game-winner, in the 4-3 win against Lincoln on October 22nd. It is the second USHL season for the native of Lakewood, Colorado after putting up 25 points (15g, 10a) in 56 games split between Chicago and the Sioux City Musketeers in 2009-10.

"I feel that the Ohio State coaching staff will push me to my highest and fullest potential in hockey during my college career, and it seemed like a good overall fit for me," said Angeli. "Ohio State has a great history in sports, and the hockey program has a winning attitude like the rest of the athletic program."

Angeli will have a familiar face joining him next season at Ohio State as Storm teammate Matt Johnson committed to the school earlier this season. Nine other players will play hockey for the Buckeyes following their USHL careers; Brady Hjelle (Cedar Rapids RoughRiders), Chris Joyaux (Chicago Steel), Kevin Irwin (Des Moines Buccaneers), Ryan Dzingel (Lincoln Stars), Dominik Shine (Lincoln Stars), Alex McLean (Omaha Lancers), Max McCormick (Sioux City Musketeers), Matt Skoff (Sioux City Musketeers), and Clark Cristofoli (Sioux Falls Stampede).

"Darik has worked hard for two years in our league to earn a scholarship to a high-end program, and we believe he has earned it," said Head Coach/General Manager Drew Schoneck. "We couldn't be happier for him, and congratulate him on his commitment to play for the Buckeyes."

Ohio State University is a member of the CCHA and has 10 USHL alumni on the roster this season; Brendan Arniel (Tri-City Storm), Chris Crane (Green Bay Gamblers), Dan Dries (Cedar Rapids RoughRiders/Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets), Alex Lippincott (Fargo Force), Brandon Martell (Fargo Force/Tri-City Storm), Chris Reed (Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets), Patrick Schafer (Omaha Lancers), Shane Sims (Des Moines Buccaneers), Sergio Somma (Green Bay Gamblers), and Corey Toy (Omaha Lancers).

In addition, Buckeyes head coach Mark Osiecki spent seven seasons (1997-2004) in the USHL as the head coach of the Green Bay Gamblers.

Angeli, who plans on majoring in business at Ohio State, is relieved to have his future plans secured and is looking forward to the final weeks of his USHL career

"It feels like a 747 (airplane) is off my back, and I can focus on being a leader for this team," Angeli said. "I want to end my junior career the right way and make it memorable before heading to school next season."

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

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