Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Warriors forward Ferriss makes NCAA DI commitment to UCONN

Press Release

The Michigan Warriors, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), have announced that forward Joe Ferriss has made a NCAA Division I commitment to play college hockey for the University of Connecticut of the Atlantic Hockey Association (AHA).

Ferriss, 19, who is a native of Novi, Michigan, was the second leading scorer on the Warriors roster in 2011-12, which was his first in the NAHL. Ferris (6’1/180) appeared in 59 regular season games and scored 41 points (14 goals, 27 assists). He also had two points in four playoff games.

“My goal has always been to play college hockey and get an education, so I am thrilled to make this commitment to the University of Connecticut,” said Ferriss.

Ferriss started his NAHL career on a hot note, scoring five points in his first three games at the NAHL Showcase. Ferriss said he learned a lot in his first year thanks in large part to Michigan head coach Moe Mantha. “You definitely learn that you have to play at both ends of the ice and that you have to be responsible every second of every shift,” said Ferriss. “Moe also taught us that we have to make practices count and to take care of ourselves off the ice and do the little things to improve as a player and as a person.”

Ferriss was also selected to participate in the 2012 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament back in February in Troy, Michigan as a part of the North Division team. He had a very successful event, scoring three points in three games and was also a +3. “Being invited to Top Prospects was huge for me personally,” said Ferriss. “It was a great experience from start to finish and was cool playing with guys that normally are your opponents. There was a lot of talent on display in front of a lot of scounts, so it made you want to really play well and not leave anything out there. I played well and I think that had something to do with the opportunity to play at the NCAA Division I level.”

“We at the Michigan Warriors are very excited and happy for Joe,” said Warriors head coach Moe Mantha. “He came in as a first year player and really made an impact from the start of the season, showing he was ready to play at this level. As the season went along, he really improved his play without the puck, which ultimately was one of the reasons he is realizing his dream of playing college hockey.”

The UCONN Huskies, who compete in the Atlantic Hockey Association (AHA), are under the direction of head coach Bruce Marshall, who is in his 24th season. UCONN went 16-19-4 in 2011-12 before being knocked out of the AHA quarterfinals by Air Force.

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

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