TC's Adams commits to Ferris State

Family, friends and fans of Traverse City North Stars forward Seth Adams won’t have to travel far to see the rangy winger play his college hockey.

Adams, a Big Rapids native, signed on to play collegiately at Ferris State University, which is located mere minutes from Adams’ home.

“It’s definitely exciting,” said Adams, who played for Big Rapids High School last year. “I’ve always had a great relationship with (FSU coach) Bob Daniels, I played with his son growing up, and been around the Ferris program. It’s good to be headed somewhere that you’re comfortable and excited about when you get to that next level.”

Adams, a 6-foot-3, 195-pound forward with a deft scoring touch, was tendered early on by the North Stars staff, and wowed everyone during the summer camping season before a lower-body injury sidelined him for the rest of the summer and into the early season.

“Before he got hurt, he was head and shoulders above the field at a couple of those camps,” said Stars head coach Chad Fournier. “But Seth has worked his way back from that and is just starting to get some traction. With a kid as talented as Seth, we’re just starting to see the tip of the iceberg.”

Adams, a two-time All-State selection at Big Rapids, registered his first career junior goal back on Oct. 12 at Port Huron, and has earned a regular shift among a veteran-laden forward cast. He has appeared in 10 games so far, including the last six TC outings.

“He’s big, strong, and knows where to put the puck,” Fournier added. “He skates well and can move the puck, and he can score. I think Ferris was right on the money in getting Seth. They probably didn’t want to let a local kid with this much talent get away.”

Adams plans to study biology upon his enrollment at FSU – presently slated for the 2013-14 academic year – and has the scholastic chops for it: He boasts a 3.8 grade-point average and rocked a 25 on the ACT. A senior at Traverse City Central, Adams has his eye on a career as an orthopedic surgeon.

“I’m not necessarily looking to play hockey forever,” he explained. “But getting to play college hockey is a great honor; It’s something to really work toward.”

Adams says the pace of the North American Hockey League is a bit accelerated compared to high school hockey, but that he’s growing more accustomed to it every day.

“At this level, if you make a mistake, you’d better make it fast,” he said. “Junior hockey features a lot more strength and speed, not to mention the hockey skills. It’s a very good (brand of hockey).”

While his skates and sticks have carried Adams to the proverbial ‘next level’ of the game, he says that at least a few people helped him get this far.

“My old coach in Big Rapids, Tim Blashill, was a big influence on my hockey career,” Adams added. “And I’d have to thank my parents for always keeping me motivated. They taught me respect, getting along, and working hard at everything.”

Fournier says that Adams’ on- and off-ice makeup will translate to good things in both arenas.

“Seth is a great kid and a great teammate. He’s got the talent and the smarts. It’s not a stretch to say that he’ll be a success in whatever he does in life.”