Blizzard forward DeCenzo makes NCAA Division I commitment

December 11, 2013

 

The Brookings Blizzard of the North American Hockey League are proud to announce that forward Nick DeCenzo has made his NCAA Division I commitment to play at Army next season.

 

DeCenzo is playing in his third season with the Blizzard organization and currently leads the team in points (19), goals (7), and assists (11).  He has nearly supposed his goal and point totals from the previous two seasons with 33 games left to play. He recorded 9 goals and 26 points in 2011-12 and 8 goals and 25 points in 2012-2013.

 

“Army expressed real interest in Nick after they saw him play at the NAHL Showcase earlier this year,” said Blizzard Head Coach Cory Laylin. “Not only could they see his versatility and play making ability, they could sense his leadership characteristics, a quality that is very important to their program.”

 

His leadership on and off the ice earned DeCenzo a captain’s C at the start of the season.

 

“Nick has been a real joy to coach the past two seasons and has emerged as one of our best players,” added Laylin.

 

DeCenzo is a native of Hibbing, MN and a 2011 graduate of Hibbing High School. He is an important part of an Army recruiting class that has been described as one of the best in the past 20 years.

 

“(Army Head) Coach Brian Riley told me that after Nick’s visit to Army his stock went from very high to through the roof after they meet him in person,” said Coach Laylin. “I think he could be a top contributor early.”

 

The Army Black Knights are a NCAA Division I program and compete in the Atlantic Hockey Association. Hockey was first played at Army in 1904.