(Bonnyville, AB)–The Bonnyville Pontiacs are excited to announce that defenceman Will Hilfiker (’01) is committing to the University of Alaska-Fairbanks NCAA Division I.
Hilfiker has played 23 games in a Pontiac uniform since coming to Bonnyville in the shortened 2020-21 season earning seven points. Using his long 6’2″ frame, Hilfiker has become a physical presence on the Bonnyville backend this season.
“It’s really, really awesome,” said Hilfiker about the commitment.
“Obviously, AJ Mccaulay is already committed there. So they were out in exhibition and were able to watch him. Luckily, I was actually playing with him during exhibition. So that’s where I guess I caught their eye. He is a great player, too. So I’m super excited to go there next year with him and along with old teammate Matt McKim,” said the Pontiacs defenceman.
Recruited from the New Hampton Prep School, the Middletown, New Jersey native also played with the New Jersey Rockets in the 2020-21 campaign after returning south of the border while the AJHL was paused.
Hilfiker was given an “A” (assistant captain) at the beginning of the season with the Bonnyville Pontiacs for road games and said the community has treated him with open arms.
“I’m here because I love it. I’m wanted here. And that’s definitely a great feeling. It brought me back for a second year and I’m more than happy about it,” said Hilfiker.
Will Hilfiker becomes the 98th Pontiac to commit to a post-secondary program since 2013-14.
“I am extremely excited and happy for Will’s opportunity with the University of Alaska Fairbanks,” said coach and general manager Rick Swan.
“His ceiling as a player is so high and I see him lead by example with the work that he puts in every day to be the very best player, leader and person he can be. Coach Largen and UAF is getting themselves a complete defenseman and a first-rate human being. Will comes from an incredibly supportive family and he will immediately enhance the Nanooks already great culture. Our entire organization along with our fans are extremely proud of Will’s well-deserved D1 commitment.”
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