Thursday, October 27, 2011

Wild's Kyle Vogel commits to NCAA Division I Army

Press Release

Duty, Honor, Country are words to live by for Wenatchee Wild forward Kyle Vogel. A 19-year-old from Richland, Washington, Vogel has committed to continue his education and hockey career at the United States Military Academy next fall.

Coming from a family with a military background, West Point was in the back of Vogel’s mind for a number of years. His father, Hans, was in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) and his grandfather, Bill, served in the Vietnam War.

“Army was def my No. 1 [option],” said Vogel. “When they offered to me to come, that was huge, and I was definitely excited.”

The Division I Army Black Knights play in the Atlantic Hockey Association. They are under the tutelage of Brian Riley, whose father, Jack, led the U.S. Olympic hockey team to the gold medal in the 1960 Games.

Vogel has played in only two games since joining the Wild earlier this month after he spent the preseason with the USHL’s Dubuque Fighting Saints. Still looking for his first point with the Wild, Vogel is glad to be in Wenatchee.

“I like Wenatchee a lot,” he said. “Being from the Tri-Cities I’ve heard about the Wild and the organization. Now, being a part of it, you learn why it’s such a popular organization and why the city loves the team.”

The Wild is excited for its new 6-foot-2-inch, 200-pound power forward.

“We are very happy to hear about Kyle’s commitment to go to West Point,” said Wild assistant coach Chris Clark. “Although he has only been with us for a short period of time, it is clear that Kyle has a very professional attitude toward the game and conducts himself in a very mature manner. He will be a big part of our team as the season continues.”

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

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