Top Prospects pair makes D-I plans

Two NAHL players made Division I commitments recently, with Alexandria Blizzard goaltender Ryan Leets heading to Army next season and Springfield Jr. Blues forward Trent Frey announcing his intentions to attend Mercyhurst College starting in 2010-11.

Leets, in his third year with the Blizzard, holds a 16-11-3 record after 30 appearances this season to compliment a 3.09 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage.

“Ryan is very excited about the opportunity to play at Army,” said Blizzard head coach Brad Willner.  “He’s ready for the challenge, both mentally and physically, that the U.S. Military Academy will provide.”

Leets, a 19-year-old from Kentwood, Mich., played in last month’s Top Prospects Tournament.

“He enjoyed his visit (to Army) and learned a lot from the players he was able to meet there,” Willner added.  “He really loved the ‘team’ atmosphere they have.”

In his first NAHL season, Frey, another Top Prospects Tournament participant, has a league-leading 24 goals to go along with 10 assists in 40 games this year.

“I'm very excited to play college hockey at Mercyhurst,” said Frey.  “The scholarship will be a tremendous financial help to my parents, who have been so supportive of me.”

Both Army and Mercyhurst compete in the Atlantic Hockey conference.