Stadler to help start D-III Adrian program

Alpena IceDiggers forward Justin Stadler has committed to Adrian College for the 2007-2008 season.

"Justin is very excited to be going to Adrian and help jump start their program and I am happy for him," said Alpena head coach Kenny Miller. "He will get a chance to play close to home so his parents can attend his games for the next four years."

Adrian will compete for the first time in school history next season at the Division III level and play in the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association.

Stadler, a Livonia native, becomes the fourth IceDigger to commit to play college hockey next season joining Todd Rudasill (Ohio State), Drew Pierson (Army) and Eric Roman (Wayne State).

With Stadler attending Adrian, he will join several former IceDiggers who are currently competing in D-III hockey. Dayne Bihn and Kaleigh Schrock are playing at third-ranked Neumann College, while Steve Culbertson (Castleton), Jeff Miller (St. Mary's), Ross Enmark (Curry College), Joe Watson (Utica) and Mitch Sabo (Suffolk) are also at the D-III level.