Thursday, March 15, 2012

Steel Defenseman Commits to Air Force Academy

Press Release

The Chicago Steel announced that defenseman Christian Neumann has committed to play collegiate hockey at the United States Air Force Academy following his USHL career.

“The process really began a few weeks ago when I spoke with Coach (Andy) Berg,” Neumann said. “I visited the Academy two weeks ago and the campus and location were phenomenal. It was the perfect place for me.”

Neumann is playing his first season with the Steel after being selected in the 2011 USHL Entry Draft. He has collected two points (1g, 1a) in 42 games this season. The 18-year-old who hails from nearby Naperville, Illinois scored his first USHL goal on November 6th against Omaha and then posted a season high plus-three rating in the 5-1 win over Muskegon on January 7th.

“The coaching staff at Air Force was extremely helpful and extremely knowledgeable,” Neumann said. “They are going to really help me continue to improve.”

Two other current USHL players are also committed to play hockey at Air Force; Green Bay Gamblers defenseman Max Hartner and Waterloo Black Hawks forward Max Edson.

The Air Force Falcons are a member of the Atlantic Hockey conference and had eight USHL alumni on the roster this season; Stephen Carew (Green Bay Gamblers), Kyle De Laurell (Lincoln Stars), Scott Mathis (Cedar Rapids RoughRiders), George Michalke (Sioux Falls Stampede), Mike Walsh (Chicago Steel), Paul Weisgarber (Waterloo Black Hawks), Scott Kozlak (Des Moines/Chicago), and Sean Bertsch (Des Moines Buccaneers).

In addition, Air Force head coach Frank Serratore spent six seasons (1982-87, 1989-90) as a head coach in the USHL and ranks second all-time in career winning percentage (.710) among League coaches.

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

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