ODESSA, TX – The Odessa Jackalopes, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), are excited to announce that defenseman Daniel Kiraly has committed to play NCAA Hockey at Division I Alaska Fairbanks beginning in 2016-17 season.
"Alaska was the right choice because their style of play," said Kiraly. "I like the coaches and I have a few friends on the team. Everything seemed like the perfect fit."
The Gilbert, Arizona native has been tremendous both defensively and when he's jumped up into the rush for the Jacks. Kiraly has seven points (2g, 5a) through 13 games with a +7 rating. Odessa acquired Kiraly last season via trade from the Prince George Spruce Kings in the British Colombia Hockey League. In 2014-15, Kiraly appeared in 25 games with the Jacks, tallying nine points (1g, 8a).
Kiraly's joins forwards Oliver Celec (Niagara), Derek Brown (Niagara) and goaltender Dean Shatzer (Dartmouth) to commit NCAA Division I programs. When asked about how Odessa prepared him for this moment, Kiraly said, "The Jacks helped me day in and day out. From practice to the gym, they helped me get better. Coach Gatto really helped me to push myself to work on every aspect of my game. Kiraly lastly wanted to thank his teammates, "It's a team game, with out them I wouldn't be in this position today." The former Arizona Jr. Coyote has excelled off the ice as well, accumulating a 3.9 GPA in the class room.
In 2015-16, the Odessa Jackalopes 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.
