Updated: Vidmar commits to Dutchmen

by Ryan Fay

Another member of the North American Hockey League's Lone Star Brahmas will be joining Union for the 2015-2016 season.

Forward Sebastian Vidmar, the Brahmas' top scorer, made his commitment to Union on Tuesday after picking the Dutchmen over a few other programs. The chance to play for the defending national champions was too much to pass up, especially since teammate and goalie Jake Kupsky will also be joining the Dutchmen next season.

Vidmar in action last season

“These past two days have been really hard deciding. I’m really happy with my decision,” Vidmar said. “I talked to Jake (Kupsky) last night. It’s definitely one of the best guys to spend four years with.”

Kupsky, who committed last month, is looking forward to remaining teammates with Vidmar at the collegiate level.

“I couldn’t be more excited,” Kupsky said. “Going there with someone I know, let alone one of my best buddies, it’s going to be fun.”

Union's staff made a recruiting trip to scout Kupsky earlier this season, but left equally impressed with Vidmar.

“It is promising to see a national champion, such as Union, take an invested interest in both Sebastian (Vidmar) and (Jake) Kupsky. It’s a strong testament to our organization and ownership group in the development of our athletes,” Brahmas head coach Dan Wildfong said.

Vidmar, a native of Malmö, Sweden, has 17 goals and 16 assists in 24 games this season. He ranks second in the league in goals and third in points. The 20-year-old paces the league in game-winning goals with six, and his plus-16 rating is sixth best in the circuit.

The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder had nine goals and 16 assists in 42 games with the Brahmas last season.

“We are incredibly proud of what Sebastian has accomplished and continues to do on the ice,” Wildfong said. “Union made a great commitment as he remains to be a top forward in our league who continues to improve.”

Vidmar skated with the Swedish J20 SuperElit League's IF Malmö Redhawks in 2012-2013. He finished the season with 26 goals, the second-most in the league, and also added 19 assists in 45 contests. The Swedish J20 SuperElit League is the highest-level junior hockey league in Sweden.

Vidmar, who also earns high marks for his leadership ability, said it still hasn't sunk in that he'll be playing college hockey at Union next season.

“It was not my expectation at all,” Vidmar said. “I came here (from Sweden) with a goal and that goal is half way accomplished. It’s really great knowing that hard work pays off.”

He has lofty goals in mind during his Dutchmen career.

“(Winning the championship) would be the goal with the resume Union has. It’s nothing that's not achievable,” said Vidmar, who also aspires to play professionally.

In addition to getting one of the NAHL's top offensive threats, the Dutchmen will be getting a taste of Swedish culture. Vidmar plans to bring Swedish music to Union.

“We’ll let the Swedish music grow on them (his future teammates),” Vidmar joked. “I’ll always know where I come from.”

Vidmar is the eighth player committed to Union for next season, joining Kupsky, goalie Joe Young (Philadelphia Flyers/USPHL), defenseman Greg Campbell (Oakville Blades/OJHL) and forwards Cole Maier (Nanaimo Clippers/BCHL), Brendan Taylor (Nanaimo Clippers/OJHL), Brett Supinski (Coquitlam Express/BCHL) and Mark Dufour (Islanders Hockey Club/USPHL).

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