Aberdeen goaltender Vinal makes NCAA DI commitment

March 28, 2018

The Aberdeen Wings, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), are pleased to announce that NAHL Top Prospects goaltender Gabe Vinal has committed to play NCAA Division I Hockey at Brown University.  

 

Vinal, 19, is in his first season with the Wings and second overall in the NAHL. In 28 games played so far this year, he has posted an 18-8-1 record with a 2.13 Goals Against Average and a .920 Save Percentage.

 

The 6’2/185 lbs. goaltender from Syracuse, New York, spent last season playing with the Northeast Generals. Prior to that, he spent three seasons with the Syracuse Jr. Stars 16U team.  

 

Vinal was selected to and played in the 2018 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament back in February, where he played for the East Division team. In two games played, Vinal had a sparkling 1.02 GAA and  .958 save percentage, making 24 saves on 25 shots. Brown University was in attendance at the event.

 

“At this level, the willingness to pay the price through preparation is what often makes the difference in who moves on in their careers and who doesn't.  Gabe is a solid competitor who refuses to be outworked and that, along with his skill set is why he's headed to play NCAA Division I hockey.  He's earned it,” said Wings head coach Scott Langer.

 

Vinal will join the Bears who went 8-19-4 overall this last season, including a 7-14-1 conference record.  Brown University plays in the ECAC Hockey League and are members of the Ivy League.  The Bears are coached by Brendan Whittet.

 

“I’d like to thank everyone for helping me get to where I am today.  Especially my parents and sisters, The Aberdeen Wings Organization, Coach Langer, Coach Bohn, Coach Aycock, The Odde Family, and all of my teammates.  I am very excited to announce my commitment to Brown University and play hockey there and even more excited for the remainder of the season here in Aberdeen and to bring a championship to the community,” said Vinal.