Saints Forward Chooses Northeastern University

Press Release

Dubuque Fighting Saints forward Mike Szmatula has committed to play college hockey at Northeastern University following his USHL career.

Szmatula has produced 15 points (8g, 7a) in 12 games this season and currently ranks tied for fourth in USHL scoring.  He has been held off the scoresheet just once this season and is in the midst of a seven-game point streak.  In his first USHL game, the 20-year-old scored a pair of goals, including the game-winner, in the 4-1 victory over Tri-City on September 28^th.  The Commerce Township, Michigan native has also posted a plus-seven rating.

"I can't thank Coach (Jim) Montgomery, Coach (Joe) Coombs and Coach (Mike) Field enough, because they expect the best from you every time you step on the ice," Szmatula told the Dubuque Telegraph Herald.  "On top of that, you're practicing and playing with guys who are going to be going to top Division I programs and some who will eventually be playing pro.  It makes a huge difference.  This is the closest group of guys I've ever been around.”

Szmatula is joined by Saints teammate John Stevens who is also committed to Northeastern University.  Six other current USHL players have also committed to the school; Garrett Cockerill (Des Moines Buccaneers), Zach Aston-Reese (Lincoln Stars), Ross Olsson (Lincoln Stars), Daniel Willett (Lincoln Stars), William Messa (Muskegon Lumberjacks), and Jason Cotton (Tri-City Storm).

Northeastern University is a member of Hockey East and 13 USHL alumni are on the Huskies roster this season; Mike Gunn (Youngstown Phantoms), Adam Reid (Team USA), Garrett Vermeersch (Lincoln Stars), Kevin Roy (Lincoln Stars), Ryan Belonger (Youngstown Phantoms), Ben Oskroba (Lincoln Stars), Colton Saucerman (Lincoln Stars), Clay Witt (Sioux Falls Stampede), Dax Lauwers (Lincoln Stars), Ludwig Karlsson (Green Bay Gamblers), Cam Darcy (Team USA), Vinny Saponari (Dubuque Fighting Saints), and Robbie Vrolyk (Sioux Falls Stampede).


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