By Paul Teeple, Bismarck Bobcats
The Bismarck Bobcats, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), have announced that forward Mike Dockry has committed to play his Division I collegiate hockey, deciding to suit up for the Army Black Knights at the United States Military Academy for 2013-14.
“Playing Division I hockey has always been a goal of mine,” stated Dockry, a second-year veteran from Burnsville, Minn., “and being able to move on to that level while also receiving an exceptional education is even better.”
Dockry is currently the Cats’ fifth-leading scorer, with 21 points on nine goals and 12 assists through 39 games.
He will follow in the footsteps of Bobcat alum John Clark, a member of the 2008-09 Central Division Championship run, who is a senior defenseman for the Black Knights.
According to Bobcats head coach and general manager Layne Sedevie, Dockry has the skills to be a big-time player at the Division I level.
“Mike’s got such great speed and skill, which are things you can’t teach,” credited Sedevie. “He caught the attention of college scouts throughout this season by displaying that speed and being a gifted playmaker on and off the puck.”
Army, who has fielded a Division I program for the past 111 years, plays in the Atlantic Hockey Association with perennial NCAA tournament threats Air Force, Holy Cross and RIT. The Black Knights are coached by Brian Riley, who is in his ninth season behind the bench at West Point.
Dockry becomes the second Bobcat on the 2012-13 season to commit to a collegiate program, joining fellow forward Bob Kinne, who is committed to Bemidji State for next year.
“I want to thank my coaches and teammates with the Bobcats,” added Dockry, “along with my former coaches and teammates in Burnsville, my family, MAP Hockey and, of course, the West Point coaching staff for giving me this great opportunity.”
