Blizzard's Freismuth bound for Bowling Green

The Alexandria Blizzard has announced that third-year forward Jerry Freismuth has committed to Bowling Green State University (CCHA) for the upcoming fall.

He is the 26th player who competed in January’s NAHL Top Prospects Tournament to commit to a Division I program following the event.

“I’m excited for Jerry and his family,” said former Blizzard head coach Brad Willner.  “He’s earned this opportunity from his hard work both on and off the ice.

“(Bowling Green head) Coach (Scott) Paluch is getting a great hockey player and a very classy person. Jerry is the kind of student-athlete you want representing your hockey program.”

“Coach Willner and Doc DelCastillo were key in helping me move to the next level, so I’m very grateful to them,” said Freismuth.

Freismuth, a 20-year-old from Grosse Pointe, Mich., finished tied for ninth in league scoring this past season with 57 points (15 goals) in 56 regular-season games.

“It feels great achieving one of my goals and I’m very excited about attending Bowling Green University,” Freismuth added.  “I just want to say thank you to the Alexandria Blizzard organization for taking me in with open arms, especially my teammates, the ownership and housing parents (Brian and Karen Larson) who made my stay comfortable and were very supportive.  That and the fans who have been so great the last three years.

“Lastly, my family has always been there for me. They’ve been very positive, helpful and patient going through the process and always supporting me. I’m looking forward to playing for the Falcons next season and the chance to get a very good education.”

The 25 other NAHL players to commit to a Division I school after the Top Prospects Tournament are: Alaska Avalanche defenseman Jason Cohen (American International College); Bismarck Bobcats goaltender Matt Grogan (University of Connecticut); Fairbanks Ice Dogs forwards Paul Kirtland (Ohio State University) and Eric Kraft (Lake Superior State University); defenseman Brandon Martell (Ohio State) and goaltender Phil Cook (Minnesota State-Mankato); Mahoning Valley Phantoms defensemen Carl Nielsen (Michigan Tech University) and Cullen Lundholm (Robert Morris University); Marquette Rangers forward Chad Pietila (Northern Michigan University) and Reed Rushing (Bowling Green State University); Motor City Machine forward Ryan Misiak (Mercyhurst College); North Iowa Outlaws forwards Brandon Brodhag (Merrimack College), Alex Carlson (Ohio State) and Ryan Peltoma (Bowling Green); Owatonna Express defenseman Tim Smith; Springfield Jr. Blues forward Trent Frey (Mercyhurst); St. Louis Bandits forward Brendan Sheehan (Niagara University) defenseman Tyler Elbrecht (Minnesota State-Mankato) and goaltender Keith Kinkaid (Union); Topeka RoadRunners goaltender Bryce Merriam (RPI) and forward Steve Shafer (Canisius College); Traverse City North Stars forward Kyle Bonis (Ferris State University); and Wenatchee Wild forwards Ducan McKellar (Bemidji State University) and Mitch Torrel (Air Force) and goaltender Mathieu Dugas (Bemidji State).

View the complete NAHL college list here.