Wings goalie Nagelvoort makes NCAA DI commitment

Press Release

The Aberdeen Wings, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), are pleased to announce the goaltender Zach Nagelvoort, 19, has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for the University of Michigan.  The University of Michigan will be a part of the inaugural Big 10 Hockey Conference in the 2013-14 season.

The native of Holland, Michigan, spent time between the Wings and the Soo Eagles during the 2012-13 NAHL regular season.  This is Nagelvoort’s second full season in the NAHL, having spent the 2011-12 season with the Traverse City North Stars.

Nagelvoort spent the first two-thirds of the season with the Soo Eagles, where he appeared in 18 games.  He posted 9-5-1 record with a 2.37 goals against average and a 92.7% save percentage.  At the NAHL trading deadline, he was sent to Aberdeen.  Since his arrival in Aberdeen, he posted an 8-1-1 record in his 10 games played that included a 6-1-0 record in the month of March.  As a result, he was recognized as the NAHL Goaltender of the Month during March. 

During the month, Nagelvoort (6’2/190) faced 231 shots and made 221 saves, good for a save percentage of 95.7% and a goals against average of 1.42 during the month.  He also posted one shutout, which came in a 1-0 win in Austin back on March 1st.  He was named the Central Division Star of the Week back on March 11th for two wins over the Brookings Blizzard in which he stopped 66 of 69 shots. 

Combined with his stats from playing with the Soo Eagles earlier in the season, Nagelvoort finished 3rd in the NAHL in both goals against average (2.10) and save percentage (93.6%) this season.

“We are extremely proud and excited for Zach to continue his career at the University of Michigan,” said Aberdeen head coach Travis Winter.  “He will have the opportunity to play for one of the best hockey programs in the country and study at a great university. We wish him the best of luck in his future."

When asked about his future plans a few weeks ago, Nagelvoort said he knew a Division I opportunity was close.  “I want to keep playing as long as I can, but playing Division I hockey is obviously the next step.  I want to be able to make an impact at whatever level I am playing at and keep getting better.”

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