By Jamie Neugebauer
Graduated North York Rangers defenceman Brody Power has committed to the State University of New York, Buffalo State for the up-coming season, the club announced Thursday.
Power, 20, played for the Rangers for two seasons after two years in the Ontario private high school hockey ranks, plying his trade for Upper Canada College.
A native of Halifax, NS, Power plays a gritty, intelligent game with underrated puck-moving ability and he emerged as a key leader for North York the past two campaigns. A chance to continue his career at a post-secondary institution in the USA is just what he deserves.
“It’s a big weight off my shoulders,” Power said.
“It’s something you try not to think about during the year but every once in a while it’s there. It’s always playing with you, you try not to let it affect your play or your mood at the rink, but it’s definitely a weight off my shoulders.”
The Buffalo State Bengals play in the SUNYAC Conference of NCAA Division III and Power’s decision to attend there is evermore unsurprising considering that the Rangers graduated two players there last year that were a key part in their run to the OJHL Southwest Conference final.
“Two of my best buddies are there, so to get a chance to play with them and live with them for a couple of years is huge,” Power said.
“Outside of that, Buffalo State’s hockey team is built well, I like the style of game they play and its similar to mine in that respect. They are a tough team to play against so it’s a good fit for me.”
Power scored five goals and 33 points in 98 OJHL regular season games and two assists in 24 post-season contests.
“I want to become a teacher,” he said.
“My goal is to get my teacher’s education, and then go back to UCC and teach and hopefully get a chance to coach the club there. Definitely very excited to get started.”
