The Connecticut Wolfpack has announced that defenseman James Hyatt has committed to Johnson & Wales University (ECAC Northeast) for the 2013-14 season.
He’s the 18th current and former AJHL player to hold an NCAA commitment for next season and beyond.
The 1992-born Hyatt has three goals and three assists through 18 games this season.
“James missed the beginning of the season with a hip injury and, since he’s been in the lineup, has been a great addition to our defensive corps,” said Wolfpack head coach Chris Cerrella. “He’s helped improve our power play and skill level on the blue line, and Johnson & Wales has a gem coming to them.”
The 5-foot-10, 175-pounder Hyatt is looking forward to joining the Wildcats, led by head coach Erick Noack, after just one season developing under the tutelage of Cerrella.
“I’d like to thank my family for always being there for me and supporting me; without them, none of this would’ve been possible,” said Hyatt. “I’d also like to thank my previous coach, Tad O’Had, for helping me get to the next level as a hockey player.
“Lastly, I’d like to thank Coach Cerrella for helping me achieve my dream of playing college hockey after one season playing for him,” said Hyatt. “I’m very excited to join the Wildcats lineup next season.”
Hyatt is the seventh Wolfpack player on this year’s roster to hold a commitment to an NCAA program.
“James is a true competitor and I know he’s going to be a solid college hockey player,” Cerrella added. “We wish him and his family best of luck.”
Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2012-13, the AJHL, a USA Hockey-sanctioned Tier III Junior A league boasting 12 teams from seven states, prides itself on the social maturity and skill development of student-athletes ages 16-20 with aspirations of advancing to collegiate and/or professional hockey.
