Ex-Marquette defenseman makes D-I choice

A former Marquette Rangers defenseman has joined the ranks of Division I college recruits as Cody Ikkala, who skated for the Rangers in 2006-07, has announced his intentions to play for the United States Army at West Point.

Army is a member of the 10-team Atlantic Hockey Association.

Ikkala, 20, who has skated the past two seasons for the Vernon Vipers of the British Columbia Hockey League, was a physical force on the blue line at Lakeview Arena. Ikkala played in 56 games for Marquette, scoring one goal and three assists for four points to go along with 185 minutes in penalties. In Vernon this season, Ikkala has played in all 24 games for the Vipers registering six assists and 12 PIMs.

A Broomfield, Colo., native, Ikkala came to Marquette with ties to the Upper Peninsula. His father, Dave Ikkala, is originally from Marquette, and played hockey for Marquette Senior High School and for Rick Comley at Northern Michigan University from 1977-81.