Estes commits to Union for 2017-18

by Ryan Fay

Dallas Stars Elite U18 defenseman Brandon Estes announced his commitment to Union College on Thursday.

Estes

The 18-year-old is expected to join the Dutchmen for the 2017-18 season.

"So proud to say I've committed to play at Union College," Estes wrote in a tweet. "Can't wait to be there in a couple years."

The 5-foot-10, 157-pounder had seven goals and 13 assists in 24 games with the Stars. He also played one game in December with the North American Hockey League's Lone Star Brahmas, a team that featured two incoming Union recruits, goalie Jake Kupsky and forward Sebastian Vidmar.

Estes was recently drafted by the Youngstown Phantoms in the sixth round (98th overall) of the U.S Hockey League's Phase II draft.

“He was one of the top U18 AAA defenseman from the Tier One Elite League this season," Phantoms assistant general manager Jason Koehler said of Estes. "He is extremely skilled and a quality puck mover on the backend."

Estes, a native of Richardson, Texas, is Union's second recruit for 2017-18. The other is Phantoms forward Justin Cmunt.

Highlights of Estes from 2013-14

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