Josh Rasmussen Commits to Becker Ice Hawks (NCAA Division III)
California Stars U18AAA Captain commits to NCAA Division III College…. Becomes the fourth player to commit to either NAHL or NCAA programs from the Stars!
The California Stars are proud to announce that Josh Rasmussen has officially committed to play NCAA Division III hockey for the Becker Ice Hawks. The Hawks are located in Worcester, MA, and play in the ECAC Northeast Division. Becker is currently in fourth place with a 6-5-0 division record, and are 10-10-1 overall. Rasmussen becomes the fourth Stars player to commit to either a North American Hockey League team, or NCAA College Hockey Program in the past month joining teammates Chad Spiller (Alexandria Blizzard – NAHL), Tyler Giovannetti (Alaska Avalanche – NAHL), and Randon Caceres II (Fresno Monsters – NAHL). “It’s a great day for our team today. To now have players not only committing to NAHL Junior “A” teams, but NCAA Division III College programs as well is a huge accomplishment for our players, and program. It once again shows that hard work, development, and opportunity, is what a player needs to advance his career. I am excited about all of the success we are having right now seeing our players get the opportunity to advance up the ladder of the game. I am very proud to see our players getting recognized as top level athletes.” Commented California Stars Head Coach Brent Agrusa
Rasmussen is a Trabuco Canyon, California native. The 6”2 185lb power forward has had a tremendous season for the Stars. He has been a great leader both on and off the ice this season. “Josh is a true leader. He had a tough task this season being one of the few 91’s on a team dominated by 92’s, and was our only player with U18AAA experience. Josh took a lot of pride in leading this team everyday. He was accountable to himself and his teammates everyday, and lead by example every minute he was here. It makes your job as a coach much easier when you have a captain that has the ultimate respect of his teammates. He will have a great college career.” Commented Agrusa
The 18 year old Rasmussen thought hard this past summer what direction his career in the game was going, and if he really would had an opportunity to move on in the game. Ultimately he decided to play the game he loves one more year with his brother Stars goalie Kyle Rasmussen. Josh’s goal was to be able to surpass Junior “A” hockey, and go right to a NCAA program. Goal Accomplished. “Coach Agrusa’s commitment to us on and off the ice this season is something I’ve never experienced before. His knowledge and expertise has been invaluable which I am extremely grateful for. A season is not always measured by where you placed in the standings; but by the growth you gained as an individual. At the end of the day my teammates and I came out as winners because of him and his endless hours of commitment to us. I would like to thank my parents for always believing in me and inspiring me to never give up on my dreams. Without them this would have never been possible. I owe it to my teammates too for giving it their all and the amount of dedication they put into the team.” Commented Rasmussen
The Stars Captain is very excited to start this new chapter in his hockey career. Playing College hockey has been a lifelong goal for him, and one that he can’t wait to begin. “To be able to play NCAA hockey is a dream come true. I have always wanted this opportunity as long as I can remember. College was always going to be the path I took after graduating from high school. I am studying at Concordia University in Irvine as a business major while playing under Coach Agrusa. I feel as though he guided me this season and gave me the key to be able to step into NCAA Division III hockey at Becker College.” Commented Rasmussen
Rasmussen will be going to play for a coach that Agrusa knows very well. The Head Coach of the Becker Hawks is Steve Hoar. In four seasons Hoar has revived the Hawks program into a well respected, playoff contending program. “First off, Steve is a good friend, and a good hockey man. The job he has done turning around the Becker program has been amazing. Committing to a college program is a big deal because you are really committing the next four years of your career to play for that coach. I couldn’t be happier to see Josh going to play for a top notch coach, who will take a genuine interest not only in his hockey career, but his education as well.” Commented Agrusa
The Hawks are also very excited to have Rasmussen committed for the 2010-11 season. “We are looking forward to having Josh play for the Hawks next season. I have had a great relationship with coach Agrusa over the years, and know that any player coming from his team will be well prepared to play college hockey. We have selected some talented players from California in the past few years, and are very excited to keep that trend going with the commitment from Josh. I look forward to having more Stars players coming to our program in the future.” Commented Becker Ice Hawks Head Coach Steve Hoar
California Stars U18AAA Manager Ken Moyseyev was very happy to hear the great news. “Josh has been a great leader for our young team this season. To see him achieve his goals are great to see. He will be an impact player for the Becker program. With his attitude and maturity level there is no doubt he will be a successful college athlete. I have a good feeling that in the years to come you will be seeing his name at the minor pro level. I am extremely proud of our team this season, and having all these players committing to programs at the next level is a great feeling.” Commented Moyseyev