Pike Commits to D-I American International
SPRINGFIELD, MA – On the eve of the 2016 Robertson Cup Playoffs, Bismarck Bobcat forward Jared Pike announced Thursday that he has committed to play Division I collegiate hockey at American International College.
“It is a thrill and an honor to say that I will be playing Division I hockey for AIC this fall,” stated Pike, who just wrapped up his second regular season with the Cats. “I would like to thank my family, friends, coaches and teammates who helped me along the way, especially everyone in the Bobcat family.”
In two seasons with the Bobcats, the Sandy, Utah, native piled up 36 goals and 35 assists—including a career-high 43 points this season.
The Yellow Jackets play in the Atlantic Hockey Association, where Pike will face off against 2014-15 Bobcat teammates Evan Giesler and Matt Perry (Air Force) and previous Cats such as Stanislav Dzakhov (Niagara) and Brandon Wildung (Mercyhurst).
Pike signed on to play for new head coach and AIC alumnus Eric Lang, who was named head coach of the Yellow Jackets on Wednesday—replacing 35-year bench boss Gary Wright in Springfield.
“I talked with Coach Lang [Thursday] morning and we had a really great conversation,” relayed Pike, who plans to study business in college. “He told me I had a chance to step in and have an impact right away; it’s a tremendous opportunity.”
The veteran winger is the fourth current or former Bobcat committed this season, joining Joe Tyran (Air Force) and alums Jared Spooner (Minnesota State) and Tanner Salsberry (Bentley).
Now Pike and his Bobcat cohorts turn their attention to the Central Division Semifinals, starting Friday at 7:15pm against the Brookings Blizzard at the VFW Sports Center.
Tickets are now on sale for the first weekend of the 2016 postseason: fans can buy and print online at BismarckBobcats.com, by clicking “Shop Now” on the team Facebook page or charge-by-phone during normal business hours at 222-3300.
Friday’s playoff opener will be broadcast live locally on SuperTalk 1270, KLXX-AM, the radio home of Bobcat Hockey, and worldwide online at NAHL.FASTHockey.com—the official web television partner of the North American Hockey League—with pregame coverage starting at 6:45pm.
Tickets are now on sale for the Cats’ run in the 2016 Robertson Cup Playoffs and are already going fast! Lock in yours for the entire playoff run by signing up for 2016-17 season tickets today.