Warriors' trio makes D-III hockey plans

Three more players from the Michigan Warriors of the North American Hockey League have been offered scholarships to play Division III college hockey.

The team announced recently that forward Bobby Bodette will play for Adrian College, defenseman Ben Gislason will play for St. Olaf College and defenseman Derek Knetter will play for the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Warriors alumni who will play for NCAA Division I programs this fall include forward Justin Hoomaian (Michigan State), defenseman Michael Szuma (Michigan), goaltender Robert Tadazak (Army), defenseman Ryan Trenz (Northern Michigan) and defenseman A.J. White (Massachusetts-Lowell).

Bodette (‘91), of Garden, played 106 games with the Warriors and tallied 11 goals and 19 assists for a total of 30 points. He helped the Warriors advance to play for an NAHL championship in 2011.

Knetter (‘92), of Wausau, Wis., played in 33 games with the Warriors and tallied a goal and five assists for a total of six points. He competed in the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament in Troy earlier this year.

Gislason (‘91), of Burnsville, Minn., played in 44 games with the Warriors tallying three goals and two assists for a total of five points.

“Michigan Warriors hockey is all about helping promising young players like Bobby, Ben and Derek take their skills to the next level, which for many means playing college hockey,” said Warriors head coach Moe Mantha. “The effort these guys put in to develop their skills on the ice and to keep their grades up is incredible. The Warriors organization is proud to see them earn a chance to continue their careers.”