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Opportunity at Northeastern awaits Saucerman N
By Matt Mackinder
othing can slow Colton Saucerman down; not even a concussion could stop the Colora- do Springs native from realizing a lifelong dream. Saucerman, now playing in his third season in the United States Hockey League (USHL), has overcome plenty of adversity since coming into the nation’s only Tier I junior league and, in early November, committed to play college hockey at Northeastern University (Hockey East) in Boston starting next season.
“The process was kind of short, actually,” Saucerman, a 19-year-old defenseman with the Lincoln (Neb.) Stars, said of committing to the Huskies. “They contacted my coach in Lincoln (Chad Johnson) and showed a lot of interest. “They watched me play at the league’s pre- season tournament (September’s USHL Fall Classic) and I had a good of couple games, so they made a move and offered me a spot for next season.”
Saucerman didn’t immediately accept the op- portunity; he wanted to run all of the details by his family, but that was merely a formality. “They approved and then I called (Northeast- ern assistant coach Jerry) Keefe two days later and took the offer,” said Saucerman. “I’d actually seen the campus a little when I was 16 when we played in a tournament out in Boston. It’s defi- nitely an awesome area to be a college student and a hockey player.”
Saucerman began his USHL career in 2009 with the Des Moines Buccaneers and then split
always there; I don’t even notice them anymore. They’ll see the players they want and the best players shine when the scouts are watching.” Before heading east for college, Saucerman
realizes he needs to make a few improvements to his game. “I think I’ll just need to get a little faster and
stronger,” he said. “I feel like my hockey IQ is pretty good, but when you move up a level in hockey, you just have to make smart, simple plays. I believe in myself, and I think that’s most important. Growing up, Saucerman skated with the Pikes
Peak Miners organization and said it was during his younger years when he formulated a philoso- phy that expanded well beyond the rink. “My 16U coach, Luc Trombetta, played a
Colton Saucerman, a Colorado Springs native skating with the USHL’s Lincoln Stars this season, will begin his Division I college career in Boston next year. Photo/Kim Fogle/Lincoln Stars
last season between the Dubuque (Iowa) Fighting Saints and the North American Hockey League’s Corpus Christi (Texas) IceRays.
For Saucerman, getting a fresh start this sea- son with the Stars - a program that boasts plenty of Division I and NHL alumni - was just what the doctor ordered. “Lincoln is by far the best place to play,” said
Saucerman, who had a goal and seven assists through 17 games this season. “The fan support is unbelievable, and playing against future NHL players is great. The (NHL and college) scouts are
huge role in my development,” Saucerman said. “He just made me realize that hockey isn’t the only thing I needed to focus on; I needed to worry about my life in general. “He was hard on me and pushed me in the
right direction to have success and I wouldn’t be where I am right now if it wasn’t for him. I’ve learned to just work hard and trust that every- thing I want to accomplish will be accomplished.” And when his career in Beantown comes to a
close, Saucerman would love the opportunity to get paid to play. “After college, every guy wants to play pro
hockey and I’m one of those guys,” Saucerman said. “If there’s a chance, I’d love to play. “I think if I work hard, anything’s pos-
sible.”
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