Saturday, October 19, 2013

Blake Young Commits to the UMD Bulldogs

Press Release

North Battleford SK., October 17, 2013 – The Battlefords North Stars are pleased to announce that veteran 19-year-old forward Blake Young has verbally accepted a scholarship offer to join the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs for the 2014-15 season.

Located in Duluth, Minnesota, the Bulldogs play in the newly formed National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHA). The Bulldogs play out of one of the newest facilities in the Upper Mid West, the $80-million, 6,756-seat AMSOIL Arena, which the Bulldog men’s and women’s hockey teams christened in December 2010.

Young, who calls the Battlefords home, is entering his second full season with the North Stars. He has played his entire minor hockey within the Battlefords Minor Hockey Association, which included a season as captain with the Battlefords Midget AAA Stars.

In the first nine games this season, Young is averaging a point a game, which helped earn him a spot at the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League’s Showcase held in Warman earlier during the season. It was at this showcase the 6’3” power forward started to attract the attention of scouts from the NCAA and NHL levels.

North Stars coach and general manager Kevin Hasselberg says, “Young has blossomed into one of the premier power forwards in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.

His effort in the classroom and on the ice has earned him this tremendous opportunity to play for one of the top hockey programs in the NCAA. The SJHL showcase event was pivotal, providing the exposure needed for Young to display his talents.”

Last season, Young had eight goals and 12 assists as a rookie with the North Stars in 52 games. He was also the recipiant of the Bertha Hill Fans Choice Trophy.

On behalf of the Battlefords North Stars we would like to congratulate Blake and the entire Young family with this accomplishment. We wish continued success to Blake as he continues to pursue his athletic and academic goals.

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

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