LOCAL JR. COMET JD SPEER COMMITS TO NEUMANN UNIVERSITY

UTICA, NY - JD Speer, assistant captain of the USPHL Premier Jr. Comets team, has committed to Neumann University (NCAA DIII) to play college hockey. Speer played four seasons in the Comets organization, appearing in 135 games, scoring 53 goals, and tallying 89 assists.

Speer was excited about the prospect of continuing his hockey career: 

"I first want to thank my parents, none of this would be possible without them. I also want to thank the Utica coaches and players with whom I was surrounded by. My rookie year under Coach Lou Edcuate, my 2nd year under Coach Shawn Lynch and now this past year under Coach Nick Pagliacci. They all shaped me not only as a player but as a person. I am forever grateful for the relationships I have formed and the memories I have made from my time in Utica. However, passing my good friend Anthony Morin and becoming the franchise's all time point leader will forever be a highlight of my Comets career. I'm incredibly excited to start the next step of my hockey and academic career at Neumann University. After visiting the campus and meeting with coaches Kyle Mountain and Kyle Pantalone, I immediately knew this was the place I wanted to spend the next four years. I can't wait to get on campus this fall and become a part of such a great program."

From Coach Nick Pagliacci: 

"JD had a great season for us this year. He had a tough two seasons in prior years battling injuries. Going into this year, it was important for him to show what he can do playing a full season. He did exactly that while leading our team in points. Neumann is getting a player with a high level hockey IQ and an ability to make plays in the offensive zone. He is a fierce competitor who will do whatever it takes to win. He'll embrace any role that he gets put in at the next level. It was a pleasure coaching JD this year and I'm excited to watch how his game progresses at Neumann."