Thursday, January 10, 2013

WALSH COMMITS TO MICHIGAN

Press Release

 St. Michael's Buzzers defenceman Jared Walsh has confirmed his commitment to join the University of Michigan Wolverines beginning with the 2015-16 Big Ten season.

Another product of the Toronto Marlboros minor hockey organization, Jared Walsh spent an extra season with the Marlies before making the jump to the Buzzers.  The 5’11”, 175 lbs. native of Toronto, was one of the key cogs on the Marlies club last season (2011-12), contributing four goals and fifteen points as the club captured the GTHL championship.  He would also pot another three goals during seven games at the OHL Cup, helping his OHL Draft stock, ultimately being selected by the Mississauga Steelheads in the 2nd round of the 2012 OHL Priority Selection, 38th overall.

The 16-year old rearguard has been one of the pleasant surprises of the Buzzers d-corps this season, having contributed one goal and 15 assists in 34 games played to sit second on the club behind newly acquired Cody Doiron.  Walsh was also picked to represent Team Canada East at the 2012 World Junior 'A' Challenge held in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, as well as the OJHL Prospects Team, recording an assist during a 4-3 victory in overtime versus the CCHL at the 2012 Central Canada Cup All-Star Challenge in Wellington, Ontario.

Buzzers' General Manager and Head Coach Rich Ricci commented on Walsh's commitment, "We are happy to announce Jared's commitment to Michigan.  Jared is a 2012 second round pick of the former Mississauga St. Michael's Majors (now Steelheads) and has represented the Buzzers on Team Canada East in 2012 and the OJHL Top Prospects Team.  He has developed into a very high-end defenceman early in his rookie year.  He has become a force on special teams and brings a unique bag of speed, smarts, toughness and a very heavy shot.  He's becoming a quiet leader and is very deserving of the attention and accolades."
Walsh was highly recruited, fielding several NCAA scholarship offers and an OHL contract.  In the end, he decided to commit to Michigan, continuing the pipeline between Michigan and St. Michael's.  Walsh follows recent Buzzers, Andrew Cogliano, Louie Caporusso, Brandon Burlon and Daniel Milne to Ann Arbour.

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

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