Bobcat Forward Marti Makes Division I Commitment to Air Force
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — Bismarck Bobcats forward Jacob Marti has announced that he has committed to play Division I hockey for the U.S. Air Force Academy in the Atlantic Hockey Conference.
“It’s a mix of excitement and relief to be committed to play college hockey,” stated Marti, who is entering his second season with the Bobcats. “Reaching the Division I level has always been my goal and it feels incredibly good to know that I have that in my future, now.”
In his first year in black and gold the Highlands Ranch, Colo., native put up 16 points on 11 goals and five assists in 45 appearances including a team-high three shorthanded goals—tied for the fifth-most league-wide in 2017-18.
“When you look at Jacob, you see a guy with an incredible work ethic: his hard work last season made him our top penalty killer by the end of the year and helped him overcome a slow start to have a strong second half,” remarked head coach and general Layne Sedevie, noting Marti’s bounce-back from not earning a point in his first 18 games played.
“To be a Division I hockey player at Air Force, you need two things: character and work ethic—and Jacob brings both things to the table every day which will make him a great fit for Coach [Frank] Serratore.”
Suiting up for Serratore, who has guided the Falcons to seven NCAA Tournament appearances—including an Elite Eight appearance in 2018—culminates a long-time dream for Marti.
“While growing up in Colorado I had the opportunity to build a relationship with Coach Serratore while playing in his showcases,” explained the 19-year-old center. “I don’t think there’s a coach out there with more passion. After meeting his staff and seeing the facilities from a hockey standpoint it was a no-brainer, for me, to play there.”
Marti becomes the second member of the 2018-19 Bobcats to make a Division I commitment, joining Mitch Walinski who also committed to Air Force in April.
The 2018 offseason is nearly over for the Bobcats, who report to Bismarck/Mandan for Training Camp 2018 on Sunday to officially begin the 22nd season of junior hockey in the capital region. Opening day of the 2018-19 regular season is Wednesday, September 19, in Blaine, Minn., against Kenai River.
Season tickets for the upcoming year are still on sale but going fast! To lock in your seats for the entire regular season, call 222-3300 or visit BismarckBobcats.com/seasontickets and sign up today!