Michigan's AJ White commits to UMASS-Lowell
The North American Hockey League’s (NAHL) Michigan Warriors announced forward A.J. White has committed to play for NCAA Division I UMASS-Lowell for the 2012-13 season. UMASS-Lowell competes in the Hockey East conference.
White, a 20-year-old from Dearborn, Mich., totaled 39 goals and 46 assists for 85 points in 115 regular season games over the past two seasons with the Warriors. He tallied seven goals and 10 assists for 17 points in 20 career NAHL playoff games, helping the Warriors advance to the Robertson Cup championship game in 2011.
White also competed in the 2012 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament in Troy, Mich. earlier this year for team North. He is a graduate of Edsel Ford High School in Dearborn.
“Seeing players like A.J. develop and showcase their skills as they work toward that next level is what Michigan Warriors hockey is all about,” said Warriors head coach Moe Mantha. “He’s a talented player and a hard worker who gave it his all on the ice and in the classroom. The Warriors organization is proud of him and thrilled to see him rewarded for his effort.”
White is the fifth Warriors player to commit to a Division I college hockey program, joining forward Justin Hoomaian (Michigan State University), defenseman Michael Szuma (University of Michigan), goaltender Robert Tadazak (Army) and defenseman Ryan Trenz (Northern Michigan University).
"Getting to play for Moe Mantha was an incredible experience," White said. "From playing in the NHL and coaching in the pros and in juniors, he knew so much about the game, including what it took to get to the next level. I really enjoyed my time in Flint with the Michigan Warriors. They helped me accomplish my goal of playing D-1 hockey."
The UMASS-Lowell River Hawks advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament in 2012 after finishing second to NCAA Champion Boston College in the Hockey East conference.