Monday, August 29, 2011

The decision: Masters commits to New Hampshire for next fall

Press Release

Muskegon, Mich. – Jordan Masters is relieved to know where he’ll continue to hone his hockey skills after his time with the Muskegon Lumberjacks.

After thorough deliberation, the Jacks’ forward committed to the University of New Hampshire on Saturday.

“It was between New Hampshire and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute,” Masters said. “A lot of deep thought went into the decision.”

Masters, who posted 12 points (five goals and seven assists) for the Jacks in 55 games during his rookie season in the United States Hockey League, leaned heavily on his family to help him make his decision. Perhaps more than anyone, however, he relied on Jacks Head Coach Kevin Patrick for insight.

“He was a very big help in the process and told me a lot about the differences between the two schools,” Masters said. “It’s great having a coach who knows the ins and outs of college hockey.”

Masters, along with fellow Jacks forward Joe Cox, was a member of the Team USA squad that recently competed in the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, and the duo also was part of the Under-17 squad that won the gold medal at the Five-Nations Tournament in Switzerland last summer.

Next fall, he’ll join former Jacks forward Casey Thrush in New Hampshire. Also committed for next fall is Jacks forward Mike McNicholas.

A product of Little Caesar’s Youth Hockey, Masters feels “relieved” to know where he’ll play college hockey before realizing his dream of playing hockey for a living.

“It’s a good feeling to not have to worry about where I’m going to college,” Masters said. “After that? Of course, playing in the NHL is the dream.”

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

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