Topeka's Higby decides on Northern Michigan
The Topeka RoadRunners have announced that forward Erik Higby has committed to Northern Michigan University (CCHA) for next season.
He’s the eighth player who competed in January’s Sherwood/NAHL Top Prospects Tournament to commit to a Division I school after the event.
“It feels great,” Higby said of his decision to attend NMU. “Getting college figured out was heavy on my mind. Now I can just concentrate on the rest of the season."
Higby, from New Braunfels, Texas, was the NAHL’s scoring champion in the regular season, tallying 80 points on 27 goals in 57 games. He also led the league with a plus-36 rating.
“He's earned it, no question,” RoadRunners head coach Scott Langer said of Higby’s college commitment. “I'm just surprised it didn't happen sooner. It's gratifying to see a player reach his goals with persistence and hard work.
“As an organization, we're all very proud of what Erik's done. He’s proven himself to be a true RoadRunner."
Higby, 20, plans on pursuing a degree in Sports Management at Northern Michigan. His long-term goal is to stay involved in hockey well after his playing days are over.
“I'm relieved, really,” he said. “It's taken a lot of stress off me.”
The other Top Prospects players who have committed to Division I schools since the event are: Bismarck Bobcats forwards Ben Danford (Canisius College) and Casey Kleisinger (Air Force Academy); Fairbanks Ice Dogs defenseman Josh Nelson (Minnesota State-Mankato); Janesville Jets forward Rui Encarnacao (University of Connecticut): Owatonna Express forward Cory Thorson (St. Cloud Sate University) and defenseman Jake Sloat (Bowling Green State University); and Wenatchee Wild forward Shawn Pauly (Air Force).
View the complete NAHL College List here.