By Joshua Boyd / USPHLPremier.com
Three seasons in the USPHL Premier has Wyatt Fischer prepared and excited to start his NCAA career with the first-year Misericordia University NCAA program in 2024-25.
“The opportunity to be on the first team at Misericordia was too special to pass up,” said Fischer, a forward from Orlando, Fla., who was one of the top players during the Spacemen’s second trip to USPHL Nationals this past month. “In addition, the beautiful campus along with the strong academics that would allow me to pursue my major were among the top reasons.”
Fischer, who will pursue a Philosophy Pre-Law course of study at the Dallas, Pa.-based university, began talking to Misericordia earlier this season around the time he joined the Spacemen just after New Year’s Day from a different league.
“I began to talk with Misericordia mid way through this season. Coach [Kevin] Cole believed I would be a solid addition to the program he was building at Misericordia,” said Fischer. “After visiting campus and speaking with both Coach Cole and Mr. Edkins, Director of Athletics, it was clear to me that Misericordia would be the best fit for my hockey and academic goals.
“The campus is very nice and has plenty of resources to help students succeed both in the classroom and later in life as they have great programs that allow students to form connections with others in building their career after college,” added Fischer.
Fischer first played in the USPHL Premier during the 2021-22 season, playing briefly with the Hampton Roads Whalers, including his first playoff game. He played a full season in 2022-23 with former league members the Bridgewater Bandits, compiling 20 goals and 34 points in 38 games, and adding three assists in five playoff games. That included giving the eventual 2023 National Champion Northern Cyclones their last loss before that team reeled off eight straight wins to take last year’s title.
This year, as aforementioned, he joined the Spacemen halfway through the season and quickly became one of Fort Wayne’s top producers down the stretch with 13 points in 16 games, and then he put up five points in five playoff games. This included a goal at the USPHL Nationals in the quarterfinals. The Spacemen reached the quarterfinals for a second straight year.
“The Fort Wayne Spacemen are a top USPHL program and I wanted to join a team with the goal of winning a National Championship. Although we came close but ultimately fell short of our goal, I will be forever appreciative of my teammates and coaching staff in Fort Wayne. Coach [Kaleigh] Schrock and Coach [Josh] Moles are the most dedicated coaches I’ve ever had. The preparation they do for our team in video, practice intensity, and structure is second to none and has helped me immensely in being ready for the next level.
“The teammates I had in Fort Wayne made me feel welcomed from the beginning at the USPHL Tampa Showcase and I am thankful I had the chance to play with this great group,” he added.
That event was a great re-introduction to the Premier, as it brought together teams from the Northeast, Southeast and Midwest areas of the large USPHL footprint. Its unrivaled Showcase Series brings several dozen college coaches into each event, with showcase events happening each month of the season.
“The USPHL is a great league that allows players to come in and earn a commitment,” said Fischer. “The experience I gained playing in the USPHL was an important part in making me ready for the next level.”
With a whole new team in place at Misericordia, Fischer knows it’s a great opportunity to make a name for himself in NCAA hockey right off the bat. It’ll take quite a spring and summer worth of work to prepare for making an impact at that level.
“I am continuing to work on all aspects of my game this off-season,” Fischer added. “In order to have success at the next level I feel the pressure to work even harder than I have to this point in my career.”
The USPHL congratulates Wyatt Fischer, his family, the Fort Wayne Spacemen and Misericordia University for his commitment.
