Coulee Region Chill to Ferris State
Joe Rutkowski has a future commitment to play at the Division 1, National Collegiate Athletic Association level, the family advisor for the Coulee Region Chill defenceman has confirmed.
David Maciuk, who acts as the advisor for the 5-foot-9, 150 pound, 1997 birth-year defender, said the plan is for Rutkowski to join the Ferris State University Bulldogs of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association for the 2016-2017 season.
Rutkowski, who hails from the Chicago area, had 1 goal, 13 assists, 14 points in 52 North American Hockey League games for Coulee Region in 2014-2015, regular season and playoffs included.
Chill coach A.J. Degenhardt noted the work ethic of the small-but-skilled Rutkowski.
“Joe has worked tremendously hard to achieve his dream of playing NCAA Division 1 hockey,” said Degenhardt. “He has grown a ton this past season with us and he has a bright future in the game.”
Of note, Rutkowski is the ninth player who played for Coulee Region in 2014-2015 to have made an NCAA commitment.
Ferris State seems to like having small D-men who are excellent skaters.