Brooks, Alberta – The Brooks Bandits are proud to announce that 1995 born Forward Jared Cockrell has committed to play for the United States Air Force Academy. Located in Colorado Springs, CO the “Falcons” play in the NCAA Division 1 Atlantic Hockey Association under Head Coach Frank Serratore. Coach Serratore is in his 18th season at Air Force developing a national contender with five conference championships and five NCAA appearances in the last eight years.
Jared is from Kents Hill, ME and grew up playing for minor hockey for the Portland Junior Pirates. Jared then had the pleasure of playing four seasons at Kents Hill School, a team coached by his Father, Larry Cockrell. Jared was a recruit of the Bandits this past off season and has settled nicely into the lineup. Currently he sits atop the AJHL for rookie scoring with 21 goals and 23 assists while adding 93 penalty minutes.
Jared Cockrell – “I am honored to make my commitment to Air Force. This gives me a chance to pursue life and hockey goals at the same time. Coming to Brooks was the best choice I could have made and it really opened the door to this scholarship. Playing in the AJHL has helped my game get to the next level and I am confident that I can contribute in the college game.”
Head Coach/GM Ryan Papaioannou – “Jared has developed his game immensely over the past 5 months. His ability to transition from playing Prep School to Junior hockey in the AJHL is testament to his character. The beginning of the season had a learning curve which Jared took head on. He has speed and is able to execute at a high pace, which made him a fit for any part of our lineup. Coming from a background with a father as his coach we noticed early that he had an ability to think the game and make adjustments. Jared has been a great person for our organization and we are looking forward to his continued success. We are very proud that he will have the opportunity to attend such a prestigious institution and contribute to not only the hockey program but his Country.”
The Bandits Organization would like to congratulate Jared and his family on his athletic and academic future.
Jared is the 8th Bandit committed to play in the NCAA Division 1 joining:
• Shane Bear (University of Massachusetts)
• Kyler Nachtigall (University of Massachusetts)
• Adam Baughman (Harvard University)
• Austin Plevy (University of Massachusetts)
• Mark Logan (Rochester Institute of Technology, RIT)
• Anthony Paskaruk (Northern Michigan University)
• Alex Roberts (Rochester Institute of Technology, RIT)