Port Huron captain DeRosa makes NCAA DI commitment

By Mike Reed, Port Huron Fighting Falcons

The Port Huron Fighting Falcons, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), are pleased to announce that captain Rick DeRosa has signed a commitment to play NCAA Division I hockey at Penn State University. DeRosa and the Nittany Lions will participate in the inaugural season of the Big Ten Conference in 2013-14.

A native of Aston, Pennsylvania, DeRosa is the Fighting Falcons’ all-time leading scorer with 74 points on 20 goals and 54 assists in 128 games played. DeRosa is one of just two players to have played for the Fighting Falcons in each of their first three seasons in the NAHL.

DeRosa leads the team this season in points (34) and assists (23), and is second in goals (11).

DeRosa was also selected to be a part of the Great Lakes team at the 2013 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament held last month in Troy, Michigan, where Penn State watched DeRosa play.  In three games, DeRosa had two assists and was a +1.

“We couldn’t be happier for Rick,” said Fighting Falcons Head Coach and General Manager Michael Gerson. “Penn State is getting a great player and a better leader as they get their program off the ground. With Rick’s family living about three hours away it’s a great fit for everyone involved.”

DeRosa is the sixth Fighting Falcons player to sign a college commitment this season, and eighth overall to sign a 2013-14 Division I commitment.

See a list of 2012-13 NAHL college commitments here