Odessa, Texas (JAN 21, 2015) – The Odessa Jackalopes, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), are excited to announce that defenseman Cooper Zech has committed to play NCAA Hockey at Division I Alaska Fairbanks beginning in 2018-19 season.
"Alaska was too good of an opportunity to pass up," said Zech. "Being a Michigan kid, I grew up fishing and being outdoors, and I can’t wait to get to spend four years in such a beautiful place."
The South Lyon, Michigan native has been one of Odessa’s most consistent defenseman despite being its youngest player on the roster (17). Zech has 16 points (4 goals, 12 assists) through 32 games with a +1 rating and 64 PIM.
Zech’s commitment means he will be a future teammate at Alaska-Fairbanks with current teammate Danny Kiraly, who committed in early November. Zech has continuously proved his 5’8” 150 lb. frame is not an obstacle but an advantage. The former Victory Honda U18 product has a distinct knack to play with an edge often associated with larger players while also using his quickness to avoid big hits.
Zech joins defensemen Danny Kiraly (Alaska-Fairbanks) and Ben DiMaio (Dartmouth), plus, forwards Jon Russell (Harvard), Derek Brown (Niagara), Pierce Pluemer (Air Force), and goaltender Dean Shatzer (Dartmouth) as Jacks players committed to NCAA Division I programs.
“Cooper plays beyond his years, he’s such a smart player for his young age and were proud of him for making this decision, he deserves it,” said Jacks head coach Greg Gatto.
The Jacks are back on the Ice this Friday and Saturday, January 22-23 for a pair of games against the Amarillo Bulls at Amarillo Civic Center before returning home to host the Lone Star Brahmas on January 29-30. The Jacks are 3-1-1 against the Bulls in five games this season. Friday, January 29 the first 500 fans will receive a Bud Light ice scrapper and on the January 30 fans will get a Jacks rally towel courtesy of Johnny Carino’s and Coca-Cola.
In 2015-16, the Odessa Jackalopes will embark upon their fifth season in the North American Hockey League and 19th in the Permian Basin. Season tickets are on sale now! To reserve your seats, contact the Jackalopes’ ticket office today at 432-552-7825 or log on to www.jackalopes.org for more information.
Be sure to follow the Jackalopes on Twitter @LetsGoJacks all year long and don’t forget to ‘Like’ the official “Odessa Jackalopes” fan page on Facebook.
