TROY, N.Y. – The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) men’s hockey team will add 12 players to its roster for the 2018-19 season, head coach Dave Smith has announced. Seven are from the United States, three are from Canada, one is from Finland and one is from Slovakia. Seven are forwards, four are defensemen and one is a goaltender.
“The incoming freshman will add immediate depth to our lineup,” said Smith. “Each of the players is a great fit at RPI, having shared values and a commitment to being a successful student-athlete. There will be an opportunity for these incoming players to make an immediate impact with RPI hockey. We will look for them to add to our environment academically, athletically and in the community.”
Below is the list of Rensselaer’s recruits with their 2018-19 statistics and a quote:
Forwards
Nick Bowman (6’0″, 195)
Winger from Shelby Township, Mich. / Coulee (NAHL)
54 GP: 25 goals – 24 assists – 49 points
“Choosing RPI was a very easy decision, based on its tremendous academics and great hockey tradition. The opportunity to get a top notch degree and have the ability to excel in hockey was something I couldn’t pass up. I can’t wait to be on campus and be an Engineer!”
Daniel DiGrande (5’10”, 180)
Winger from Macomb, Mich. / Green Bay (USHL)
48 GP: 4 goals – 7 assist – 11 points
“After visiting RPI, my family and I knew that it would be a great fit academically and athletically. RPI is one of the top schools in the nation academically, which will push me to be the best I can be in the classroom. Along with academics, RPI also has a well established hockey program with great coaches, who will push me to the next level. I am truly honored and cannot wait to become an engineer this fall!”
Jakub Lacka (6’0″, 187)
Winger from Bratislava, Slovakia / Central Illinois (USHL)
51 GP: 15 goals – 15 assists – 30 points
“It will be my pleasure to play for the Engineers and study at such a great school like RPI. It has my dream to play college hockey where I felt trust in the coaches in such a big extent. I can’t wait to start.”
Tommy Lee (5’7″, 160)
Center from Calgary, Alta./Chilliwack Chiefs (BCHL)
54 GP: 18 goals – 23 assists – 41 points
“I am truly honored to be joining such an outstanding program with such a rich history. To be able pull on the Engineers jersey and to call RPI home for the next four years is a dream come true. I’m thrilled for the opportunity and can’t wait to get started!”
Ottoville Leppänen (5’10”, 179)
Winger from Espoo, Finland/Espoo Blues U20 (Jr. A SM-liiga)
53 GP: 22 goals – 31 assists – 53 points
I am proud to be coming to RPI, because of the great opportunity to continue studying and play hockey at a great school. The school has a great history and has the desire to succeed and go forward to become one of the best. Playing for the Engineers is one of my dreams.
Ture Linden (6’0″, 190)
Center from Great Falls, Va. / Lone Star (NAHL)
52 GP: 15 goals – 32 assists – 47 points
Playing Division I hockey and studying at a prestigious university has always been a goal of mine. The decision to attend RPI was easy after visiting the campus and meeting with the coaches and players. I have heard great things about the fan base and really look forward to playing at the Houston Field House. RPI is a natural fit and I am very proud to be a RPI Engineer!
Chase Zieky (5’11”, 185)
Winger from Avon, Conn. / Transfer from Providence College (NCAA)
“My family and I are very excited for this new opportunity for me to get a fresh start here at RPI. Great academics along with a great hockey program was a no brainer when deciding where to transfer. I’m looking forward to a great two years as an Engineer.”
Defense
Shane Bear (5’10”, 185)
From Calgary, Alta. / Transfer from University of Massachusetts – Amherst (NCAA)
“I am very excited for the opportunity to spend the balance of my collegiate career at a school with such a rich history, outstanding academics, and unbelievable community support. I look forward to the prospect of contributing every way possible to help the program at RPI achieve success on and off the ice.”
Brady Ferner (5’10”, 190)
From Dakota Dunes, S.D. / Sioux City (USHL)
60 GP: 2 goals – 17 assists – 19 points
“It is an honor to be able to attend a school like RPI that is so rich in tradition and holds itself to the highest standards in academics, athletics, and people in everyday life.”
Kyle Hallbauer (5’11”, 190)
From Howell N.J. / Lone Star (NAHL)
57 GP: 7 goals – 25 assists – 32 points
“I am very excited to be joining a school with such a rich history. RPI is a school I’ve had my eye on for a while and I’m ecstatic to finally be able to put on an Engineers jersey. I can’t wait to get started!
Jake Johnson (6’0”, 185)
From Bloomington, Minn. / Cedar Rapids (USHL)
51 GP: 1 goal – 17 assists – 18 points
“I am very excited to be starting at RPI this fall. I’m really looking forward to moving to the East Coast, meeting new people, getting a world-class education and most of all, to play college hockey for the Engineers.”
Goaltender
Owen Savory (6’0″, 190)
From Cambridge, Ont. / St. Catharines (GOJHL)
40 GP: 30-8 – 5 Shutouts – 1.99 GAA – .936 SV%
“RPI gives each player the opportunity to develop into a mature, committed, and reputable student, all while playing for one of the NCAA’s most historical and storied teams in college hockey.”
