Lappin Commits to Brown University

Press Release

Coming off his second and best season statistically in the USHL, Tri-City Storm forward Nick Lappin has announced that he will play for the Brown University Bears beginning in the Fall of 2012.

Lappin, who is one of six eligible returning forwards for the Storm next season, had nine goals and 17 assists in 49 games, posting 23 of his 26 points in the final 28 games of the season.

"I went there and it was perfect," exclaimed Lappin, who is a native of Geneva, Ill. "The education is astounding, the team there is committed to winning, and I believe that they'll become a model program soon."

Brown is a NCAA Division I college hockey program located in Providence, Rhode Island and competes in the ECAC hockey conference with the likes of Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Princeton, R.P.I. and Yale.

"The ECAC is getting a lot better with both Yale and RPI having successful seasons last year, and overall it seems like a good fit for my college career."

"It's a great opportunity for Nick to combine academics with hockey and play another season in the USHL," said Head Coach/General Manager Drew Schoneck. "We are happy for Nick, and look forward to what he can bring next season to the Storm after having a strong second half last year."

The 18-year old, who is 6-foot and 170 pounds, was acquired by the Storm from the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders for a second round pick in the 2011 USHL Entry Draft in a trade last November. Being traded to the Storm was something Lappin felt helped his game in multiple ways.

"Coming to the Storm gave me a lot of opportunities to expand my game, from playing more to learning a new system," Lappin said. "The coaching staff helped me a lot, especially since Coach Schoneck coaches a different style in the USHL that has made me a lot better personally."

Lappin says that his choice of major will likely be in business or economics.

Three other players who spent the 2010-11 season in the USHL are committed to Brown University; Zachary Aston-Reese (Lincoln Stars), Kyle Quick (Lincoln Stars), and Ryan Jacobson (Sioux Falls Stampede).

Five USHL alumni were on the roster for the Brown University Bears this season; Anthony Borelli (Lincoln Stars), David Brownschidle (Tri-City Storm), Michael Juola (Sioux Falls Stampede), Jimmy Siers (Waterloo Black Hawks/Lincoln Stars), and Matt Wahl (Omaha Lancers).

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