TC's Sheridan going pre-med at Lawrence U.

Before he starts fixing others’ teeth, Jonathan Sheridan will be risking his own for the next four years.

The Traverse City North Stars defenseman, who will start work on a pre-med program in the fall en route to dental school, has committed to play for Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisc.

“It’s a pretty big relief, to have it finally set in stone where you’re going to play,” said Sheridan, a Midland product who came to the Stars last summer from the Flint Jr. Generals of the Central States Hockey League. “It’s been a dream of mine to go to (the University of) Michigan for dental school, so this is the first step.”

Lawrence, a private liberal arts and science college of 1,400 students, is located about 30 minutes from Green Bay in the Fox River Valley. The Vikings’ NCAA Division III program been a member of the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association since 1998.

“We couldn’t be happier for Jonathan – he deserves every good thing that comes his way,” said North Stars head coach-GM Anthony Palumbo. “He’s steady on the ice and brought a real maturity to the team. He’s a leader – the kind of character kid you’re proud to have in your program.”

Sheridan played in 54 games in 2007-08, recording a pair of goals and 12 assists while racking up 70 penalty minutes. Both of his tallies were game-winners, with his Oct. 6 clincher versus Marquette of the shorthanded variety.

“I learned a lot this year – things that are going to help me at the next level,” said Sheridan. “As a defenseman, (associate head coach Mike) Matteucci taught me so many things about playing positionally. I think I’ve been prepared to some extent for the speed of the college game.”

Sheridan, 6-foot-1 and nearly 200 pounds, will be leaving the area for Appleton in a few weeks, albeit regrettably, as he has landed an on-campus job with the Lawrence athletic department as an equipment manager.

“I absolutely love it here in Traverse City,” said Sheridan, who lives with his aunt near town. “The area, the fans, the people – I am going to miss it a lot.”