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Nathan Morgan Grande Prairie Storm
By Shane Clausing
Storm Hockey

Grande Prairie Storm’s Morgan and Schimek commit to NCAA division one hockey

Dec 10, 2019 | 2:50 PM

The Grande Prairie Storm announced some major news over the last couple days.

Forward Nathan Morgan committed to Union College in Schenectady, New York while defensemen Will Schimek committed to Providence College, Rhode Island.

Morgan announced on Friday his commitment to Union College. The 17-year-old has recorded 16 points in 29 games, already matching his career-high from last year. Morgan tells EverythingGP that he is fortunate to have the opportunity to play college hockey.

“I’m honored and very fortunate about the opportunity. Obviously, it’s taking 17 years with the right support, family and coaching staff (that’s) gotten me to where I wanted to be. I’m honored to have this opportunity and I’m really looking forward to it in the future.”

Opportunities for playing college hockey in the United States don’t come up for every player that ends up playing junior hockey. First, a player must decide whether they want to play in the WHL (Western Hockey League) or Junior A hockey. If they choose the WHL route they get a year’s worth of college tuition for every year they play in the league.

However, if you play a game in the WHL then you are ineligible to play in the NCAA. Most players after their WHL career will go and play U-Sports or ACAC hockey. Morgan said that education was a main focus for him when deciding to go the NCAA route, which is why he decided to play in the AJHL.

“About halfway through my 15-year-old year I decided to make a decision that school was a pretty important part of my life, so I decided I was going to go play in Junior A hockey in Grande Prairie.”

Morgan tells EverythingGP that he wants to take mechanical engineering and is expecting to start playing for the program in the 2022-23 season.

Some notable players that have played for Union College are current Philadelphia Flyers defensemen Shayne Gostisbehere and Montreal Canadiens goaltender Keith Kinkaid.

Defensemen Will Schimek announced his commitment to Providence College on Tuesday. The 18-year-old is in his first season with the Storm and has recorded six points in 23 games this season.

“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity, it’s really exciting. Ever since I started thinking seriously about college hockey, it was a goal of mine to go to Providence and to take the first step to that happening is exciting,” said Schimek.

The academic side of things was a big reason why Schimek decided to commit to Providence.

“Last year I was actually thinking about going to school there for academic purposes before I’d even dream about playing hockey there, just as a backup plan. I loved the campus and fell in love with the school academically, to be able to combine that with their amazing hockey program is a dream come true,” Schimek explained.

Schimek told EverythingGP that he is undecided on what he wants to take, but he’s interested in going the finance route or possibly something pre-law.

In a statement from the Storm, Head Coach and Assistant GM Matt Keillor spoke about how excited he is for the players for making their commitments.

“Morgan worked incredibly hard over the summer in Calgary. He won three out of four fitness testing events at main camp and it was evident he was ready to make an impact right away. He wants to get better every day and has taken his development very seriously since his first day with the Storm.”

“Will’s compete level stood out right away the first time I watched him in Minnesota. Every time he was on the ice, he was engaged with and without the puck. He’s in great shape and he’s an excellent skater. Our assistant coach Ryan Aasman has done a great job helping Will quiet his game and developing some of the habits that are necessary for defencemen to have success at the next level. He’s always working on fundamentals in practice and is open to improving any way he can, but his biggest attribute is that he’s a great teammate. He never complains; he is always prepared to learn, ask questions, contribute to the community and play whatever role he’s given. I’m really happy for Will and can’t wait to see how he progresses into the new year.”

The Storm are in action this weekend for a pair of games at Revolution Place. Friday, they will take on the first place Brooks Bandits., Saturday night, they will take on the Lloydminster Bobcats. Both games start at 7:30 at Revolution Place.

by Shane Clausing