Player Commitments Solidify @YTownPhantoms NCAA Presence

Deciding on where to attend college is a huge step for any young person. Friday was the day that three prominent NCAA ice hockey programs saw Youngstown Phantoms commit to their ranks.

Forward Eric Esposito, an affiliate-list player for the Phantoms will be joining the 18th-ranked University of New Hampshire Wild Cats. Esposito, at only 15, was drafted by the Phantoms in the Phase II draft this year as a 16th round pick. Esposito produced five goals and six assists in 25 games for the Loomis Chaffee School in Connecticut.

The Wild Cats are loaded with USHL talent, with 12 of their current roster players coming from the League.

Also committing to a Top 20 NCAA program is Defenseman Luke McInnis. McInnis was a third round Phase I selection for the Phantoms who will be joining the No. 2 Boston College Eagles when his USHL career comes to a close.

In one full season and a partial season with Hingham High School (MA), McInnis notched 6 goals and 28 assists. He finished his 2013-14 campaign with the Cape Cod Whalers Under-16 team, playing 10 games and recording 3 goals and an assist.

McInnis was also chosen to help represent the United States in the U-17 Five Nations Tournament earlier this month, as reported HERE.

Rounding out this crop of NCAA commitments was Defenseman Brendan Demler, who will be an Ivy Leaguer after being recruited by Dartmouth. Demler, a Lebanon, OH native, was selected in the 19th round of the Phase II USHL Draft by the Phantoms after competing in over 70 games with the Ohio Junior Blue Jackets U16 squad over two seasons. During that time, he tallied 3 goals and 11 assists.

Demler told Walk The Warpath, a Lebanon, OH based website that "I want to play Division I hockey in college, that's what I'm aiming for." Committing to Dartmouth is another step towards achieving that goal for the young d-man.

Congratulations to each of the young Phantoms on their commitments.