By Phil Genco
Another Jamestown Ironmen has committed to play Division I college hockey. Defenseman Dylan Zink (6’0”, 175lbs.) committed to play at the University of Massachusetts Lowell earlier this week.
The UMass Lowell River Hawks are part of the Hockey East conference and actually captured their first ever conference title this past weekend in front of 13,738 fans at the TD Garden in Boston.
The River Hawks are ranked third in the country in Division I hockey and are currently competing in the NCAA’s Northeast Regional Tournament with an opportunity to play their way to the Frozen Four. This marks the second consecutive year that the team has made the NCAA tournament, finishing one win away from the Frozen Four in 2012.
“When you’re playing juniors, it’s a dream to get to play Division I hockey,” said an excited Zink after finishing up practice at the Jamestown Savings Bank Arena late Wednesday morning.
Zink had an opportunity to tour the UMass Lowell campus, getting a chance to meet everyone in the hockey program from the head coach to the equipment manager. “I liked everything about their program and the direction that they are headed in,” said Zink.
“Dylan has been a huge part of our success this season,” said Ironmen head coach Dan Daikawa.” We traded for him very early in the season and he has continued to score consistently, be offensive and quarterback the powerplay.”
Zink has compiled 15 goals and 17 assists over 50 games with the Ironmen this season. He stands at +14 with 32 points and one game-winning score.
He played in the 2013 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament in Troy, Michigan last month as a part of the Great Lakes team.
“We are excited as an organization,” added Daikawa. “He has worked extremely hard on and off the ice in his time in Jamestown, and we know he’ll continue that success at the next level.”
Despite the big decision and all of the excitement surrounding it, Zink looks to focus his attention to the upcoming North American Hockey League playoffs.
Click here for a complete list of 2012-13 NAHL college commitments
