By Joshua Boyd / USPHLPremier.com
Sean Schifferl first stepped onto ice for a USPHL game with the 15U Florida Jr. Blades. Six years later, he’ll be preparing to step onto NCAA ice for the first time ever.
A late-season acquisition of the eventual National Semifinalist Richmond Generals, Schifferl has committed to the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, Mass., for the 2023-24 season. His USPHL journey took him from his native Florida (he is an ‘02 product of Fort Myers, Fla.) to the Islanders Hockey Club, Northern Cyclones (including an NCDC season) and the New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs before landing in his final junior destination, the Generals.
“I have nothing but good things to say about the Richmond Generals. They do everything right there,” said Schifferl, a forward who finished with 15 goals and 24 points in 34 games this year. He also had three goals in eight games during the Gens’ deep Nationals drive. “They took me in with two months left in the season and got my living situation, gear, and apparel taken care of instantly. The Generals did everything in their power to help me add more tools to the toolbox. Our practices were structured around the way we need to play against our opponent that weekend and made games very easy. I think this helped us in Nationals because we weren’t surprised by any teams we played.”
His conversations with MCLA began early last Fall, talking to them originally at the BJB Shootout in Marlborough, Mass., during his time with the Monarchs.
“What interested me most about MCLA was Coach Jeremiah Ketts. Coach Ketts has family in my hometown of Fort Myers,” said Schifferl, who intends to major in Sports Science. “I think the strengths of the game that I’ll bring to MCLA are character, hard work and sportsmanship.”
Schifferl was a major mover in helping the Generals move on to the USPHL Nationals, scoring a hat trick in their deciding Game 3 of the Southeast Division Finals against the Potomac Patriots. That big 6-1 win punched the Gens’ ticket to Utica. Four seasons at four different USPHL levels has shown him plenty of what the Nation’s Largest Amateur Hockey Organization had to offer.
“I think the USPHL is a great league for development and progression,” he said.
The USPHL, however, is now moving into his memory banks and he’s focused only on his NCAA hockey future.
“For me, I am going to stay in the gym and on the ice to keep sharpening my edges and stay ready for my freshman season,” Schifferl added.
The USPHL congratulates Sean Schifferl, his family, the Richmond Generals and the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts for his commitment.
