Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Steel Forward Chooses RPI for Collegiate Career

Press Release

The Chicago Steel announced that forward Jimmy DeVito has committed to play hockey for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute following his USHL career.

"Coach Appert said I was a good fit for his program and am the type of player that can help them win," DeVito said. "RPI has a great hockey tradition and to get to play for the Engineers is going to be an honor.”

The 17-year-old is already in his second USHL season and has collected 13 points (3g, 10a) and 48 penalty minutes in 28 games for the Steel. He first broke into the USHL with the Steel last season and put up seven points (2g, 5a) in 45 regular season games. DeVito has been able to spend his USHL career close to home with the Chicago Steel as he is a native of nearby Bloomingdale, Illinois.

"RPI offered me just before Christmas," DeVito said. "I took a visit to the campus about a month ago and really liked the facilities and the coaching staff. I am thinking about majoring in business right now and they have a very good business school.”

Four other players are committed to play hockey at RPI following their USHL careers – Riley Bourbonnais (Cedar Rapids RoughRiders), Jason Kasdorf (Des Moines Buccaneers), Mark Miller (Omaha Lancers), and Chris Bradley (Youngstown Phantoms).

RPI is located in Troy, New York and is a member of the ECAC. A total of six USHL alumni are on the roster for the Engineers this season; Nick Bailen (Indiana Ice), Greg Burgdoerfer (Des Moines Buccaneers), Patrick Cullen (Indiana Ice), Bo Dolan (Sioux Falls/Tri-City), C.J. Lee (Green Bay Gamblers), and Scott Diebold (Tri-City Storm).

"My Family was happy for me when I committed and will be making trips out to New York to watch me play,” said DeVito. “My dad really liked RPI as well and was impressed with its coaching staff."

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

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