Northern Cyclones Elite, Premier All-Star Defenseman Excited For Future At Rivier University
By Joshua Boyd / USPHLPremier.com
Brady Bomal was an outstanding defenseman for the Northern Cyclones in the USPHL Elite Conference over two seasons, so good that he made the 2022-23 North (now New England) Division All-Star team. Then, he joined the USPHL Premier’s Northern Cyclones – and played so well he became a 2023-24 USPHL Premier New England Division All-Star as well.
Next, he’ll bring this all-star pedigree to the NCAA college hockey realm in 2024-25 with Rivier University.
“I started talking to Rivier when a couple of my teammates and I went on a visit to the campus in January. After talking with Coach [Shaun] Millerick, I liked his vision for how he wanted his team to play. He said my play style would fit in really well with my ability to move pucks and play both sides of the ice,” said Bomal.
“Taking the visit, seeing the campus and learning more about how well-regarded the university was made me very interested,” he added. “Hearing Coach Millerick, professors, and the rest of the staff talk about how invested the school is in the hockey program got me excited. With Rivier being a newer program, and joining into the MASCAC, I was sold on joining the program and helping it take the next step forward.”
Bomal, who plans to be a security major at Rivier, is coming off a season that saw him co-lead the Cyclones with a +27 rating and 37 points in 46 combined regular season and playoff games. This followed two seasons with the USPHL Elite team in which he had 50 points in 94 combined regular season and playoff games at that level with the Cyclones from 2021-23.
“I cannot say enough good things about my time with the Cyclones. My experience has really been second to none. The friendships created with teammates and coaches have been unbelievable. Not only have I grown as a player, but I have grown into a better person, and that’s what playing for the Cyclones is all about,” said Bomal. “The Cyclones’ development model was very beneficial for me personally. Playing two years at the Elite level against really good competition improved my game a lot. Being able to practice every day and work out with our strength coach during the week was a huge plus for us. Having the rink open over the summer at Cyclones Arena for kids to skate and get better was a huge luxury for me. My development from Year 1 to Year 3 has been night and day thanks to the Cyclones.”
Bomal also talked about the ability to move up between the Elite and Premier teams, which was another big part of helping him become an NCAA prospect.
“Having the chance to play both Elite and Premier for the Cyclones was an awesome experience. I think the two years at the Elite helped me be ready to make an impact at the Premier level right away. Coach Tim Plummer was the biggest reason I signed on to play Elite my first year, and I couldn’t have been more happy to have done so. His love for the game and his want to be better every day rubbed off on the rest of the team,” said Bomal.
“After my first year of Elite, Coach Bill Weiand told me exactly where I stood. Maybe I could have played Premier elsewhere, but he told me the plan and path to follow. A few kids before me took a similar path of playing Elite then premier. Getting a chance to be a captain my second year [at Elite] and lead a team taught me a lot as a person,” Bomal added. “I was very excited when I signed on to play Premier, and knew the work I needed to do to be ready.
“Over the summer, I did a lot of work with Coach Fred Hein. He was very instrumental in improving my skills. Going into the year I really didn’t know what to expect, especially with the Premier team coming off a National Championship. Even though we couldn’t repeat, I had such an enjoyable year with the guys and playing for Coach Weiand. These three coaches taught me a lot and definitely did a ton for my development, and I am very thankful for them,” he said.
With three seasons of USPHL junior hockey under his belt, Bomal was especially appreciative of the league’s structure, with many showcase events held throughout the year and hundreds of college commitments from the Premier level every year.
“I think the USPHL is a great league for advancement. They do a great job of showcasing teams at Showcase Series events and at Nationals,” Bomal said. “What I think is so great is that there are always people watching, whether it’s in person or on Flohockey. “You always have a chance to be seen. There’s great competition within the league and I think they do a great job at preparing you to play NCAA hockey.”
For his own Pathway To College Hockey, Bomal has some specific plans to be ready to give his best to Rivier University.
“Over the summer, I will work on getting bigger so I can compete at the college level,” Bomal added. “I will be working at Cyclones Arena so I will be prepared to play at Rivier in the fall.”
The USPHL congratulates Brady Bomal, his family, the Northern Cyclones and Rivier University for his commitment.
