Kevin Shier of the Ontario Junior Hockey League's Toronto Lakshore Patriots has committed to Union for the 2014-15 season.
"I'm definitely over the moon," Shier said in a statement on the Patriots website. "As soon as I went down there, I kind of fell in love with the school. It has everything I want in a university, and it was a really easy decision once the offer came down. I'm really excited."
Shier, 20, leads Toronto Lakeshore in scoring this season with 44 points (18 g, 26 a) in 36 games. The native of Toronto, Ontario has 84 points (30 g, 54 a) in 84 career games in the OJHL.
 |
| Shier (Toronto Lakeshore Patriots) |
"Kevin is a gifted offensive player with a quick and accurate shot," Fortier said. "He has quick hands and is an amazing team first player. Look for Kevin to bring a smile to the rink everyday and bring an ability to score big goals."
Fortier said there are some similarities between Shier and current Dutchmen forward Daniel Ciampini, who starred in the OJHL with the St. Michaels Buzzers from 2007-2011.
"Daniel made an impact nightly in the OJHL and Kevin does the same," Fortier said. "Good hands with good speed and both can score."
Shier's biggest needs on the ice moving forward include the defensive side of the game.
"As is the case for many freshman, he will require some attention to detail in the defensive zone and bring his compete level each and every day," Fortier said. "He has all the tools to help Union as a hockey player on and off the ice, but that is not saying he won't face challenges along the way."
Shier visited Union in mid-December and the trip provided some unexpected drama. While making the trek to Schenectady, Shier was one of five people who stopped and helped save the life of New York State National Guardsman Timothy Neild, whose pickup truck veered off the highway and slammed into the Route 481 bridge near DeWitt, New York. The truck burst in flames moments after Neild was rescued to safety.
Shier visited Union in mid-December and the trip provided some unexpected drama. While making the trek to Schenectady, Shier was one of five people who stopped and helped save the life of New York State National Guardsman Timothy Neild, whose pickup truck veered off the highway and slammed into the Route 481 bridge near DeWitt, New York. The truck burst in flames moments after Neild was rescued to safety.
Union was one of several schools interested in Shier, who finished sixth in scoring in the recent Central Canada Cup Junior "A" all-star tournament.
"He had several top programs interested but the fact he was a 1993 born limited the amount of teams he could be recruited by due to available roster spots," Fortier explained. "Union really did their homework and attended numerous games in scouting Kevin. [He] was really leaning towards Union from day one due to the success of the program and head coach Rick Bennett [being] well-known for helping his players improve."
"He had several top programs interested but the fact he was a 1993 born limited the amount of teams he could be recruited by due to available roster spots," Fortier explained. "Union really did their homework and attended numerous games in scouting Kevin. [He] was really leaning towards Union from day one due to the success of the program and head coach Rick Bennett [being] well-known for helping his players improve."
Shier joins forward Roman Ammirato (Amarillo/NAHL), defenseman Nick DeSimone (Buffalo/OJHL), forward Tyler Hynes (Omaha/USHL), defenseman Connor Light (Omaha/USHL) and forward Ryan Scarfo (Powell River/BCHL) as likely additions next fall.
Follow @UnionHockeyBlog
No comments:
Post a Comment