Friday, March 7, 2014

Maloney commits to Ferris State University

Press Release

PORT HURON, MI – The Port Huron Fighting Falcons, proud members of the North American Hockey League, are pleased to announce that former Fighting Falcons forward Mitch Maloney has committed to play NCAA Division 1 college hockey at Ferris State University. Maloney was called up to the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders of the United States Hockey League in December.

A Macomb native, Maloney played 90 games with the Fighting Falcons in a season and a half with the team, tallying 30 goals and 21 assists. In 31 NAHL games this season, Maloney averaged nearly a point per game, with 18 goals and 11 assists. The 19-year-old forward was extremely consistent, as he was never held without a point in three consecutive games at any point this season.

Maloney was called up to the USHL heading into the NAHL’s holiday break, making his debut on December 27. His 29 points led the Fighting Falcons at the time of his call-up, and is still 5th in points on the Fighting Falcons this season. He wasted no time making an impact in Cedar Rapids, getting an assist on the game-winning goal in his first USHL game, and following it up with his first goal the next night. In 20 games with the RoughRiders, Maloney has 14 points on seven goals and seven assists.

“We couldn’t be happier for Mitch with the news of his commitment to Ferris State,” said Fighting Falcons Head Coach and General Manager Michael Gershon. “We knew that he had been talking to their staff when he was here and we’re thrilled that he’ll have the opportunity to play NCAA hockey back in his home state.

“Mitch is a player who excels in all aspects of the game, and I know that he’ll fit in well at Ferris State. He’s a proven winner, and someone who has what it takes to help the Bulldogs compete for a national championship.”

The Ferris State Bulldogs are currently tied for the lead in the WCHA standings, and are ranked 6th in the nation. Their roster is overwhelmingly made up of players from the NAHL and USHL, as 21 of the 26 players on this year’s roster came from one of the two top junior leagues in the country.

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

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