Otsego native Bushee commits to Canisius

Des Moines Buccaneers' defenseman Kyle Bushee has verbally committed to Canisius College for the upcoming season.

Bushee, from Otsego, who skated for the Bucs in 2002-03, returned to Des Moines this season after two years at Western Michigan University. In 47 regular-season games for the USHL's Clark Cup champs, he tallied 15 points on five goals and 10 assists.

"With the way Kyle played for us this season, especially through the playoffs, he's going to have a chance to go in and contribute right away," said Bucs coach-GM Regg Simon. "Kyle's a good two-way defenseman. More importantly, he was a leader and a warrior for our team and he'll bring that same mentality to a good program that's really on the rise in college hockey."

"I felt it was the best fit for me athletically and academically," Bushee said. "I also liked the coaching staff along with the campus. It should give me the opportunity to contribute right away."

Canisius, located in Buffalo, competes in the Atlantic Hockey conference.

Bushee is the 17th Buccaneer this season to commit to a Division I program, the USHL's 146th.