Bandits' Sheehan decides on Niagara

The St. Louis Bandits have announced that forward Brendan Sheehan has committed to Niagara University (Atlantic Hockey) for next season.

He is the 19th player who competed in January's NAHL Top Prospects Tournament to commit to a Division I program following the event.

“This is a great opportunity for Brendan and the entire organization is nothing but thrilled for him and his family,” said Bandits head coach Jeff Brown.  “He was a big part of our success this season and will be a great addition to the Niagara program.”

In 55 regular-season games with the Bandits, Sheehan, a 20-year-old from St. Louis, totaled 20 goals for 44 points.  In the postseason, he recorded three assists in 13 games for the Robertson Cup champions.

The 18 other NAHL players to commit to a school after the Top Prospects Tournament are: Bismarck Bobcats goaltender Matt Grogan (University of Connecticut); Fairbanks Ice Dogs defenseman Brandon Martell (Ohio State University) and goaltender Phil Cook (Minnesota State-Mankato); Mahoning Valley Phantoms defensemen Carl Nielsen (Michigan Tech University) and Cullen Lundholm (Robert Morris University); Marquette Rangers forward Chad Pietila (Northern Michigan University) and Reed Rushing (Bowling Green State University); Motor City Machine forward Ryan Misiak (Mercyhurst College); North Iowa Outlaws forward Brandon Brodhag (Merrimack College); Owatonna Express defenseman Tim Smith; Springfield Jr. Blues forward Trent Frey (Mercyhurst); St. Louis Bandits defenseman Tyler Elbrecht (Minnesota State-Mankato) and goaltender Keith Kinkaid (Union); Topeka RoadRunners goaltender Bryce Merriam (RPI) and forward Steve Shafer (Canisius College); and Wenatchee Wild forwards Ducan McKellar (Bemidji State University) and Mitch Torrel (Air Force) and goaltender Mathieu Dugas (Bemidji State).