TANNER LOMSNES COMMITS TO DIVISION I NIAGARA UNIVERSITY

Mar 3, 2015

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS – The Corpus Christi IceRays of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are proud to announce that forward Tanner Lomsnes has committed to Niagara University, a NCAA Division I hockey program, starting in the 2015-16 season.

“It’s been a personal dream of mine to make it to the next level,” said Lomsnes. “I knew coming down to the United States was the best chance I had at that goal, and I just listened to our coaches and played as best as I could. I just tried to do the little things right. This organization is one of the best in the league, and I’m very happy to continue my hockey career.”

Lomsnes, 20, decided to head south of the Canadian border for his final season of junior eligibility after two-consecutive seasons with the Dauphin Kings of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL). Over his previous two seasons with Dauphin, the Red Deer, Alberta, native earned 22 goals and 31 assists for 53 points through 88 regular season games along with 90 penalty minutes. In addition, he played 29 games of post-season play, earning seven goals and eight assists for 15 points with 20 penalty minutes. Lomsnes hit his stride in the second season with Dauphin and has followed suit this season with the IceRays.

“Such a well deserved accomplishment for Tanner,” said IceRays head coach John Becanic. “This is a classic example of good things happenomg to good people. Tanner has been very instrumental in helping our program achieve new heights with his commitment to excellence and unselfish play. Niagara is the perfect fit for Tanner. The coaching staff of the Purple Eagles are very excited about what he will bring to their program. I expect him to contribute immediately and make an impact from day one.”

The 6-foot-4, 200-pound forward made an immediate impact with the IceRays and became one of the team’s leading point scorers from the outset of the year. His strong, consistent play on the left wing helped him to earn a spot at the 2015 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament, presented by Easton Hockey, where he earned an assist for Team South in the latter of two games. Lomsnes is one of nine IceRays players to earn a point at the tournament and the eighth to assist. 

Lomsnes looks to make the same immediate impact with the Niagara Purple Eagles in the Atlantic Hockey Association (AHA), who ended their regular season at the end of February. The AHA includes programs like 20th-ranked Robert Morris, who just claimed the AHA regular season title, and Mercyhurst University, who will welcome forward Nathan Bryer in the 2016-17 season.

“Playing against Bryer will be a neat experience, and I’m happy for the both of us,” said Lomsnes. “I just hope to play as many games as I can [with Niagara]. There are going to be a lot of spots available on the roster, and I am going to work hard and play my best.”

Lomsnes is the third player to commit to a collegiate program, joining Bryer as well as forward Wes Michaud, who committed earlier this season to Colorado College. In 47 games played, Lomsnes owns 22 goals and 30 assists for 52 points with 91 penalty minutes and a +11 rating. He is second on the team in power play goals with seven and earned a hat-trick on Feb. 28.

The IceRays jump on the road and begin a two-game set against the Lone Star Brahmas on Friday, March 6 at 7:30 p.m. from the NYTEX Sports Center. Call the front office at 361-814-7825 for season and individual ticket details or check out the pricing and seating chart online at www.goicerays.com. Stay current with the latest team news by visiting www.goicerays.com. In addition, stay connected with the IceRays on Facebook (/CorpusChristiIceRays), Twitter (@goicerays), YouTube (IceRays TV), Instagram (CorpusChristiIceRays), and Vine (@goicerays).