The Bonnyville PONTIACS are ecstatic to announce that 18 year old defenseman Jake GRESH from Avon, Connecticut has committed to the NCAA Division 1 University of Alaska Fairbanks for the 2018/19 season.
Last season Jake played for Avon Farms. Avon ice hockey teams have won eight Division 1 New England Championships (four between 2004 and 2008) and have produced NHL players such as Hockey Hall of Fame member Brian Leetch, as well as Jonathan Quick, Chris Higgins, Cam Atkinson, and Nick Bonino.
“We knew that Jake was going to be an elite Junior 'A' player after watching him last season at the Avon Farms Christmas tournament and this season he has developed tremendously in the short time since arriving in Bonnyville. He has elite foot speed and his coachability, his trust in his coaches and his commitment to being a better player and person every day are a major reason why Jake GRESH has created the exposure he has achieved. Jake has great potential to be a high performer at the NCAA Division 1 level and I am extremely excited for him and the GRESH Family that have supported him throughout his hockey journey. University of Alaska has just landed one heck of a culture player and person” said Head Coach and General Manager Rick SWAN.
“I am extremely proud to announce my commitment to play Division 1 hockey with the University of Alaska Nanooks. I was treated exceptional during my visit and loved the school and program. I chose the Bonnyville PONTIACS of the Alberta Junior Hockey League because of their track record of developing great players and people and I certainly made the right choice as being a part of the PONTIAC organization I knew I would get exposure from the NCAA” said Jake GRESH. Thanks to Coach LARGEN for all of his efforts during the recruiting process.
The Alaska Nanooks Men's Ice Hockey team is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I college ice hockey program that represents the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The Nanooks are a member of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA). They play at the Carlson Center in Fairbanks, Alaska. The Nanooks are coached by Dallas FERGUSON who has a proven track record of moving players from the AJHL onto the next level.
The PONTIACS organization, our fans and our generous sponsors are so happy for Jake's recognition from Alaska Fairbanks and look for to him elevate his performance with the Bonnyville PONTIACS for the remainder of the 2016/17 and 2017/18 AJHL seasons. Well done Jake and well deserved.
Jake GRESH becomes the 39th player who played with the Bonnyville PONTIACS since 2012/13 who have committed to college (NCAA, CIS, ACAC).