Musketeers Goaltender Commits to Michigan State

Press Release

The Sioux City Musketeers announced that goaltender Jake Hildebrand has committed to play college hockey at Michigan State University beginning in the 2012-13 season.

"I was ecstatic," said Hildebrand on having the commitment finalized. "It's one of the many goals you have as a hockey player so I was thrilled. The campus was great, the rink was amazing…it just seemed like a perfect fit for me."

Hildebrand has appeared in 25 USHL games, compiling a 9-10-1 record, a 2.66 goals against-average, and .903 save percentage. He made a career high 42 saves in the 3-2 win vs. Tri-City on October 29th, 2010 and made 40 saves in the season finale on April 9th as the Musketeers earned a 4-3 win against Fargo and secured a spot in the playoffs for the first time since 2008. The 18-year-old native of Butler, Pennsylvania first appeared in the USHL during the 2009-10 season, joining the Musketeers late in the season and playing in four games.

"Jake has been a terrific goaltender for the Musketeers and he's going to a great program in Michigan State," said new Musketeers Head Coach and General Manger Brett Larson. "He's one of the most athletic goaltenders in the league and I look forward to watching him continue to develop this year."

Six other players who spent the 2010-11 season in the USHL are also committed to Michigan State University; Michael Gunn (Chicago Steel), Matt Berry (Muskegon Lumberjacks), Matt DeBlouw (Muskegon Lumberjacks), Travis Walsh (Muskegon Lumberjacks), Brent Darnell (Sioux Falls Stampede), and Reid Boucher (Team USA).

The Michigan State University Spartans are a member of the CCHA, but will join the newly formed Big Ten Conference for the 2012-13 season. A total of 14 USHL alumni were on the roster for the team during the 2010-11 season; Timothy Buttery (Chicago Steel), Jake Chelios (Chicago Steel), Dean Chelios (Chicago/Cedar Rapids), Matt Crandell (Sioux City Musketeers), Chris Forfar (Lincoln/Waterloo), Dustin Gazley (Sioux City Musketeers), Zach Golembiewski (Indiana Ice), Anthony Hayes (Green Bay Gamblers), Torey Krug (Indiana Ice), Mike Merrifield (Green Bay Gamblers), Drew Palmisano (Omaha Lancers), Brett Perlini (Ohio Junior Blue Jackets), Greg Wolfe (Omaha/Chicago), and Willie Yanekeff (Sioux City/Waterloo).

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