Friday, 02.23.18 / 9:12 am CT
IceRays forward Angus Scott has committed to play Division III NCAA hockey at Tufts University of the New England Small College Athletic Conference. He will begin his college hockey career at the start of the 2018-19 season.
“Attending Tufts University fulfills my lifelong dream of receiving a top-tier education and playing collegiate hockey,” Scott said. “I have developed a strong relationship with the coaching staff throughout the recruiting process. The school’s close proximity to Boston makes it an ideal location to spend the next four years. I am very much looking forward to becoming a Jumbo and partaking in the future success of the program.”
Choosing to spend his fourth and final season of junior hockey in Corpus Christi, Scott’s perseverance paid off as he was accepted into an elite academic institution with an acceptance rate of just 14%. On top of being a consistent hockey player who has suited up for 44 of the IceRays’ 46 games this season, the Salt Lake City, UT native has stood out in the classroom, as well. He attended a Canadian high school while playing junior hockey in Alberta, and achieved a 90% grade average, which is roughly the equivalent of a 3.9 GPA in the United States. He also scored an 1810 on his SAT under the old format, placing him in the top 17% of all students who took the exam.
Scott (6’3, 215) has brought a calming veteran presence to the table in the final chapter of his junior hockey story. He has shown to be a very adaptable player who’s rotated between the center and wing positions, and ranks seventh on the IceRays with 17 points (4 G, 13 A, 43 PIMS) this season. He has adjusted to the demands of his team, having departed from a far more offensive league to play in the punishing NAHL South. The Salt Lake City, UT native trails only Jayson Dimizio in hits this season with a total of 38, along with a +72 chance differential and he has brought a complete, two-way game on a nightly basis. While this is only his first season as an IceRay, his demeanor is such that he has stood out as a leader both on and off the ice.
“We’re very excited for Angus to attend such a premier academic school,” IceRays head coach Brad Flynn said. “He has been a key contributor to our team success on and off the ice this season. His vision, work ethic, skill while being a big body player will make him successful on the ice at the college level. Angus has a unique disposition as a leader in that he finds the good in everyone, and he is extremely well-liked in our dressing room and organization. I have zero doubt in my mind that he will have success in whatever he decides to do going forward.”
While Scott is not entirely sure of what it is that he wants to do just yet, he is currently leaning towards studying economics and finance at Tufts. As has been demonstrated by his actions on the ice, in the classroom, and by Coach Flynn’s sentiments, there seems to be little doubt that Scott will, in fact, succeed in whichever path he decides to pursue. He will receive a top-tier education from a prestigious university while continuing to play the game of hockey, but he will never forget the final stepping stone which helped him get there.
“Playing for the IceRays has been a special experience from day one,” Scott said. “Everything about the organization is first-class. The ownership and staff work very hard and treat us extremely well, our fans create an unbelievable atmosphere on a nightly basis, and the city of Corpus Christi constantly supports us. You won’t find a better place to play junior hockey. I would like to thank my coaches for molding me into a better player and person, my teammates for making every day enjoyable my outstanding billets for providing me with a second home, and most of all my family and parents for their continued guidance and support. I’m looking forward to a strong finish to the season and I have full confidence in my teammates and coaches to bring this organization the championship it deserves.”
This weekend the IceRays will return to the American Bank Center to host the Amarillo Bulls, who are fighting for their playoff lives. All weekend, the IceRays will be wearing specialty heart-themed jerseys in support of heart health and healthy living. They will be sold to the public at a live auction following Saturday night’s game at the bottom of Section 112. Proceeds will benefit the American Heart Association. Puck drop is set for 7:05 pm CT on Friday and 7:45 pm CT on Saturday. Both games will be broadcast on HockeyTV.com and on YouTube.
