Former Flin Flon Bombers star Joel Kocur is ready to usher in a new hockey era at the university of his choice.
The standout forward recently committed to play for the American International College men’s hockey team. The Springfield, Massachusetts-based school squad plays at the NCAA Division I level.
“I’m really excited to get the opportunity to come into a college that’s really on the rise and get the chance to be a difference maker for the team,” said Kocur, who hails from Edson, Alberta.
He joins the program at a unique and exciting time in its history. After 32 seasons leading the Yellowjackets, head coach Garry Wright has stepped down.
Taking over the reins is Eric Lang, a former AIC standout. Along with his hiring, AIC has announced two full-time assistant coaches, an increased recruiting budget, and added scholarships.
“We are really excited for Joel to be going to a rejuvenated program at AIC,” Bombers head coach Mike Reagan said on the team’s website. “With Coach Lang’s new vision of the program we think he will be a big part of helping in the process.”
From last season’s Bombers team that went to the SJHL final, Kocur is the fourth of the squad’s five 20-year-old to announce his college hockey plans.
Kocur’s former linemate Brandon Switzer of Brandon, Manitoba, is heading to Edmonton’s MacEwan University, which competes in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference.
During last season, their linemate Alex Smith of Edmonton committed to play at Michigan Technological University, which has an NCAA Div. 1 hockey program.
Former Bombers captain Tyson Empey of Swift Current, Saskatchewan, who spent four seasons with the team, will play for State University of New York at Geneseo, a perennial NCAA Division III powerhouse.
The other member of last season’s Flin Flon 20-year-olds is defenceman Pierre-Luc Morin. The defensive blueliner from Ste-Hélène-de-Kamourask, Quebec, is considering his academic options.
The AIC Yellowjackets play in the Atlantic Hockey Conference. Their conference competition includes, among others, Army West Point, the U.S. Air Force Academy, Canisius College (where former Bomber goalie Simon Hofley plays), and Reagan’s alma mater, Sacred Heart University. Kocur plans to study business at AIC.
“He’s a kid that’s a perfect fit for college hockey as he is a great skater,” Reagan said. “I’m very happy that we were able to help him get a Division 1 scholarship.”
Last season Kocur was 11th in the SJHL with 71 points. He scored a team-high 34 goals. In the postseason he recorded 18 points with six goals in 16 games.
He suited up for parts of two seasons with the Bombers. Kocur started his junior career with the AJHL’s Whitecourt Wolverines. He emphasized his appreciation for the Bombers and for his billet family, the Slugoskis, for all that they have done for him.
