NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS — Brahmas forward Zach Purcell has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey at American International College (AIC), the player announced Saturday.
“I couldn’t have done it without my teammates and all the people fighting in my corner,” said Purcell, regarding his commitment. “It’s been my dream to play college hockey and I’ll be able to play against the Air Force Academy, which is in my home state. I couldn’t have done it without all of the hours my coaches and teammates put in that aren’t seen by others.”
The skater is currently on a four-game point streak, totaling ten points (4g-6a) in eight games played. Purcell has appeared in all contests played by the Brahmas in the season thus far. In addition, he leads the team in shot percentage with a value of 30.8%. Purcell also ranks in the top-20 skaters across the entire NAHL in points and assists (6).
“On behalf of the Lone Star Brahmas, we’d like to congratulate Zach on his commitment to American International College,” said the assistant coach of the Brahmas, Andrew Whiteside. “AIC is getting a player with an elite skill set and someone who has shown perseverance throughout the ranks of junior hockey.”
The forward is the third Brahma to commit to AIC, with alums Martin Mellberg (2015-16), Matthew Rickard (2019-20), and Michal Stinil (2018-20) also suiting up for the university. Before the cancellation of the 2019-20 men’s hockey season, AIC recorded a record of 21-12-1 (W-L-OTL).
Purcell is the second NCAA commitment from the 2020-21 Lone Star Brahmas roster, with Nicholas Niemo (Bentley University) being the first. In the 2019-20 season, the Lone Star Brahmas led the NAHL in player commitments with 16.