Thursday, February 16, 2012

Phantoms Forward Commits to Quinnipiac University

Press Release

The Youngstown Phantoms announced that forward Soren Jonzzon has committed to play colligate hockey at Quinnipiac University beginning next season.

The Phantoms acquired third-year USHL forward earlier this season in a trade with the Tri-City Storm and has put up four points (2g, 2a) in 19 games since arriving in Youngstown. In 40 combined games with the Phantoms and Storm this season, he has collected 14 points (3g, 11a).

“It didn’t take him very long to fit in with the guys,” said Phantoms head coach Anthony Noreen. “Everyone on the team likes him, and being a three-year veteran, he’s been a really positive influence on all of the younger guys. He does everything the right way.”

Jonzzon played all 60 regular season USHL games last season and led the Tri-City Storm with 39 points (17g, 22a). He first broke into the USHL during the 2009-10 season with the Waterloo Black Hawks and put up 19 points (8g, 11a) in 48 games. The 20-year-old from Mountain View, California is two games shy of 150 regular season games for his USHL career.

“We’re really excited for Soren,” said Noreen. “At the end of the day, this is what we’re in the League for – we’re in it to help these guys become better people, better hockey players, and move on to the next level. For Soren, his goal from the beginning was to move on to a great hockey school, but also a place he could further his education. He knows what he wants to do in the future – he wants to play college hockey, but he also wants to be a doctor, and Quinnipiac is a school that’s going to give him the opportunity to do both.”

Jonzzon will be joined at Quinnipiac by Phantoms teammate Sam Anas who is also committed to the school following his USHL career.

“I talked to Sam a lot and he had nothing but good things to say about the school,” Jonzzon said. “He talked about how the school had a gorgeous campus and how the coaching staff is such a good group of guys. Then I got to visit, meet, and talk with staff and Coach [Rand] Pecknold, and I was very impressed. They’re looking to develop players and take them on to the pro ranks. I’m looking forward to playing under them.”

Waterloo Black Hawks defenseman Alex Barron is also committed to Quinnipiac University which is a member of the ECAC and has six USHL alumni on the roster this season; Ben Arnt (Omaha Lancers), Loren Barron (Indiana Ice), Mike Dalhuisen (Lincoln/Chicago), Eric Hartzell (Sioux Falls Stampede), Spencer Heichman (Sioux City Musketeers), and Cory Hibbeler (Lincoln Stars).

With a college commitment under his belt, Jonzzon returns his focus to the final season of his USHL career with the Phantoms.

“I want to contribute to the team every night, help us win games, and make a push to the Clark Cup,” he said.

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

No comments: