It’s that time of year when Division III college hockey commitments start rolling in. Over the past week, it was announced that several prep school hockey players have learned where they’ll be playing in 2020-21 and beyond.
’01 goaltender Marc Smith of Nobles committed to Wesleyan, it was announced over the weekend. The senior goaltender from Hanover, Mass., has been a three-year starter for Brian Day’s team.
In 22 games this season, Smith has posted a .921 save percentage while helping Nobles to a 15-5-2 record. If the playoffs started today, Nobles would be in the Elite 8 Tournament.
KUA’s Griffin commits to Trinity
Kimball Union senior defenseman and captain Teddy Griffin has committed to Trinity College, one of the top programs in all of Division III. The Duxbury, Mass., native has two goals and 21 assists so far this season for Tim Whitehead’s Wildcats. Griffin and KUA hope to be able to defend their Elite 8 crown and go for a fourth straight title this March.
Four from Pomfret announce commitments
Four Pomfret seniors have announced where they’re going to school and playing hockey for the next four years.
Senior Kyle Tomaso will join Griffin at Trinity. The Milford, Mass., native leads the Griffins in scoring with 14 goals and 25 assists.
Post graduate student Andrew Shearson will be playing college hockey at Middlebury. The Chicago, Ill., native has a .928 save percentage and has helped Pomfret immensely with his work in the crease.
A third Pomfret star, senior forward Sami Hakkarainen, will also be in the NESCAC next fall. From Los Gatos, Calif., Hakkarainen will be going to school and playing hockey for the Jumbos at Tufts.
Finally, senior forward Tyler Mitchell announced his commitment to play hockey at Southern Maine.
UMass lands Lautenbach
UMass continues its luck in the state of Michigan with the announcement that Omaha Lancers center Ryan Lautenbach will play college hockey for the Minutemen. The Brighton, Mich., native has six goals and 13 assists in 41 games for the USHL’s Lancers. A Little Caesars product, Lautenbach played junior hockey in the NAHL last season for the Amarillo Bulls.


