Steel Forward Commits to Cornell University

Press Release

The Chicago Steel announced that forward Jeff Kubiak has committed to play college hockey for Cornell University beginning in the fall of 2013.

Kubiak is in his second USHL season with the Steel after totaling 26 points (12g, 14a) in 54 regular season games last year.  The Tinley Park, Illinois native closed out his rookie year in the USHL scoring seven points (4g, 3a) and posting a plus-four rating over his last five games, helping his team to a 4-0-1 record over that span.  He also earned a spot to compete in the 2012 USHL/NHL Top Prospects game and recorded the game-winning goal for Team East in the 5-3 victory.

Kubiak, 18, began to receive interest from Cornell University last October and decided Thursday evening to let former Steel player and current Cornell assistant coach Topher Scott know that he would be playing for the Big Red next season.

“I visited Cornell last month with my dad and the campus was awesome,” Kubiak said.  “I thought the facilities were amazing and everything was top notch.  The team was very welcoming and was excited to have me, so it was extremely easy to decide on Cornell.”

Kubiak’s brother, Alex, played for the Steel in 2010-11 and earned a scholarship to Bentley University, where he is entering his sophomore season with the Falcons. Bentley is located in Waltham, Massachusetts and is a member of the Atlantic Hockey Association.

“My parents were very supportive with my decision,” Kubiak said. “Having two son’s play NCAA Division I hockey is a thrill for them.  My brother was excited for me and can’t wait for me to come out to the East Coast for school.  We will be about five hours apart and my parents are looking forward to coming out for a weekend where they can drive between Waltham and Ithaca to watch us both play.”

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound forward, will major in business and accounting at Cornell.  After graduation, he plans on following in his parents’ footsteps and earning his Certified Public Accountant designation.
Steel head coach Scott McConnell, who has had the opportunity to coach both Kubiak brothers in Chicago, said Jeff’s success on and off the ice was to be expected.

“When we selected Jeff in the 2011 USHL Entry Draft, we knew he had the size, we knew he had the skill, and we knew he had good hockey intelligence,” said McConnell.  “We knew it was just time before he put everything together and became a complete player.  Jeff has worked incredibly hard to become the player he is today.  His character, work ethic, and talent will be a huge asset for Cornell next season.”
Four other current players are committed to attend Cornell University following their USHL careers; Woody Hudson (Indiana Ice), Alex Rauter (Omaha Lancers), Ryan Bliss (Team USA), and Michael McCarron (Team USA).

Cornell University is a member of the ECAC and has 10 USHL alumni on the Big Red roster for the upcoming season; Joakim Ryan (Dubuque Fighting Saints), Gavin Stoick (Team USA), Christian Hilbrich (Indiana Ice), John McCarron (Lincoln Stars), Brian Ferlin (Indiana Ice), Armand de Swardt (Chicago Steel), Teemu Titinen (Lincoln Stars), Cold Bardreau (Team USA), Jacob MacDonald (Waterloo Black Hawks), and Andy Iles (Team USA).


(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)