Anaheim 16U defenseman Sasaki makes NCAA DI commitment
February 26, 2015
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The Anaheim Jr. Ducks of the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) are pleased to announce the 16U defenseman Chad Sasaki has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for Colorado College in the NCHC.
Sasaki, 17, just completed his first season playing in the NAPHL and second season with the Jr. Ducks 16U team. The native of Cypress, California, had a tremendous season, as he led all NAPHL 16U defensemen in scoring this season with 21 points in 20 games played. The Ducks won the NAPHL regular season title in 2014-15 with a 19-1 record.
During the 2014-15 season, Sasaki (5’8/145) also played in the 2014 NAPHL 16U All-Star Game for Team Blue back in December. Sasaki was also selected as the NAPHL 16U Defenseman Peak Performer for his performances in the months of September and January.
It is another big step in right direction for the Anaheim Jr. Ducks organization, as well as, the Anaheim Ducks High School Hockey League (ADHSHL) as Sasaki is the second player ever to commit to a NCAA Division I program directly from the Jr. Ducks organization, and the first for the ADHSHL.
“The NAPHL has been a great platform for our players to receive the necessary exposure from the NAHL, USHL and NCAA Division I and III programs. Chad is an exceptional individual, he is a model student-athlete, excelling both in the classroom and on the ice. He currently holds a 4.6 GPA from Servite High School (Anaheim, CA), one of the premier academic institutions in southern California, which is also a member of the ADHSHL (Anaheim Ducks High School Hockey League),” said Anaheim 16U head coach Alex Kim.
Kim continued… “Coaching Chad the past two seasons has truly been a privilege, he has a superb attitude, is humble and is well received by his peers. His willingness to learn and dedication to working his hardest on a daily basis have truly been instrumental to his development as a player and as a person. His parents have done a fantastic job in raising him and I am happy for them as Chad is en route to achieving his goals of playing NCAA College Hockey with his commitment to Colorado College. The Colorado College Hockey program is getting a gifted hockey player in Chad, he truly exemplifies what a student-athlete is and will be a role model for players in the future,” said Kim.
Sasaki is the 11th current player from the NAPHL this season to make an NCAA Division I commitment and second from the Jr. Ducks, joining teammate Jack Gates, who also is committed to Colorado College.