PETERSON GOING TO ALASKA-FAIRBANKS NEXT SEASON

Press Release

KEARNEY, Neb. – After playing in his second and final season in the USHL, Tri-City Storm defenseman J.D. Peterson made his commitment official to the University of Alaska-Fairbanks Nanooks. He will join Alaska-Fairbanks next fall to begin his college career.

“I have heard it is a great program from several people, and felt comfortable with the situation for the next few years of my life,” said Peterson, who is a native of Orange, Calif.

“Plus, the fishing there is unreal from what I’ve been told, which is a hobby of mine. I look forward to playing hockey and living there.”

Peterson has played in 101 games in the USHL and has served as an alternate captain for the Storm this season. This season, the 19-year old has played in 55 games posting career-highs with two goals and 12 assists. He was named USHL CCM Defensive Player of the Week on Feb. 21 for his Week 21 performance against Sioux Falls and Lincoln.

“We are extremely proud of J.D., and are excited to see him get a well-earned opportunity next season with the Nanooks,” said Head Coach/General Manager Josh Hauge.

“J.D. has been a great leader for our team this season, and has made a solid impact to the Storm’s playoff berth. We look forward to his performance in the playoffs.”

Alaska-Fairbanks is a NCAA Division I college hockey program located in Fairbanks and competes in the CCHA. However, following next season in college hockey, the program is set to join the WCHA hockey conference at the beginning of the 2013-14 season.

Last season, Peterson played for the Des Moines Buccaneers, where he collected four assists in 46 games. The 5-foot-11 and 190-pound defenseman joined Tri-City as a free-agent acquisition this past summer and earned a spot with the team following the August training camp.

“It’s been awesome to play in Tri-City, and the coaching staff is a big reason why I have earned this scholarship,” Peterson added. “I feel grateful for all the organization has done for me.”

Peterson says that his choice of major will likely be Business at Alaska-Fairbanks.

With Peterson’s commitment, Tri-City currently has 11 players who are committed to NCAA Division I schools – Tim Bonner (Yale University), Kenny Brooks (Penn State University), Nick Lappin (Brown University), Jared Linnell (Univ. of Alaska-Fairbanks), Dylan Maller (University of New Hampshire), Eli May (Minnesota State University-Mankato), Trevor Moore (Denver University), Grant Opperman (Dartmouth College), Brad Schierhorn (Dartmouth College), and Adam Wilcox (University of Minnesota).

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)