Flying Aces forward Cruickshank makes college commitment

May 5, 2014

The Minnesota Flying Aces of the North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) are pleased to announce that forward Eric Cruickshank has committed to play college hockey for the University of Illinois (ACHA DI).

 

Cruickshank, 20, just completed his first season in the NA3HL with the Flying Aces and second season of playing junior hockey. The native of Vernon Hills, Illinois, appeared in 34 games this season for the Flying Aces.  He was 2nd on the team in scoring with 43 points in 34 games played, which included 19 goals and 24 assists.

 

Cruickshank (5’11/175) also was selected to play in the NA3HL Top Prospects Tournament back in February in Troy, Michigan, where he played on Team South. Cruickshank registered one point in three games.

 

Cruickshank also appeared in two games this season with the NAHL’s Minnesota Wilderness.

 

Prior to this season, Cruickshank spent the entire 2012-13 season in the NAHL with the Janesville Jets. In 45 games, Cruickshank had eight points. 

 

Prior to playing junior hockey, Cruickshank played for Team Illinois in the NPHL.

 

Illinois plays in the Central States Collegiate Hockey League and are members of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA, Division I). The team plays our of Champaign, Illinois and they qualified for the ACHA national tournament last season.  

 

"We are extremely excited to add a person and player like Eric to our program.  With two solid years of junior experience, I expect him to come in and make an impact right away.  His skill set and high compete level should translate well to our league,” said Illinois Head Coach Nick Fabbrini.