The Aston Rebels are proud of the winning tradition that has been established in such a short time since the team’s relocation from Rio Grande Valley, TX. In a year and a half the Rebels won the North American Hockey League’s East Division during its inaugural season and the team currently owns the best record in the League.
The goal of the team, and the league itself, is to assist 17 – 20 year olds in their quest to achieve their goal of a better education through college hockey. Last year the team had twelve NCAA commitments (commitments made by players while they were with the team). This year there already are four Rebels who have made NCAA commitments – all with Division 1 teams.
The Rebels organization is very proud of its players who have moved on to play collegiate hockey. To that end, this is the first of, hopefully, many monthly articles that will highlight each player who has moved onto to play college hockey – with or without a commitment. Our goal is to publish a brief recap at the conclusion of every month during the season and a wrap up at the end of it.
The players learned early in youth hockey that their career towards junior and collegiate hockey is a marathon, not a sprint. The same is applicable in college hockey. Some have started out of the gate well while others haven’t (for whatever the reason). However, be rest assured, all of the players – regardless of how their college career turns out – are grade A people, and we know they will be a success on and off the ice and in whatever they do in life.
Dean Balsamo
“Dino” was third on last year’s team in points (56) but led it in goals (25). He earned a commitment to Division I Bentley University. He has played in nine games for the Falcons this season and has three points (2 goals and 1 assist).
Victor Bergstrom
“Vic” had nine points (2 goals and 7 assists) in twenty one games last season in which was mostly spent off the ice due to numerous concussions. Despite health issues, he handled the situation with class and dignity. Because of the concussions he wasn’t able to procure a commitment. However, we are pleased to write that he is attending Division III Plymouth State University and has two points (both assists) in six games with the Panthers.
Kristofers Bindulis
“Bindy” had forty six points during last year’s inaugural season (10 goals and 36 assists). He was the team’s best defenseman as well as its Most Valuable Player. He also was voted the league’s top defenseman. He earned a commitment to Division I Lake Superior State. After participating in the Washington Capitals prospects camp in July, Bindy has played in fourteen games and has eight points (1 goal and 7 assists) so far for the Lake State Lakers.
Ryan Cusin
“Cuso” was second in total points last year with 50 (14 goals and 36 assists). He was named co-winner of the team’s best offensive player. He earned a Division III commitment to the University of Massachusetts Boston. He has 16 points (6 goals and 10 assists) in eleven games for the Beacons. He is tied for first with most points on the team.
Chris Deprez
“Daddy” had twelve points (3 goals and 9 assists) in 57 games last year. He was a huge, positive influence on and off the ice and a key member of the Rebels penalty kill unit. He made a Division III commit to Marian University. He has played in two games with the Sabres.
Colton McMenamin
“Mac” had eight points (3 goals and 5 assists) in forty games last season. He was a key member of the Rebels penalty kill unit and possessed an incredible work ethic. He earned a Division III commitment to Stevenson University. He has played in ten games for the Mustangs and has one point (assist).
Michael Merulla
Michael led the team in points last year with 55 (24 goals and 31 assists). He was a co-winner of the team’s best offensive player. He earned a Division I commitment to Boston College. He has played in one game so far with the Eagles.
Jerry Miettuten
Jerry had twenty one points (6 goals and 15 assists) in 48 games last year. He obtained a Division III commitment to the University of Wisconsin Superior. He has eight points (3 goals and 5 assists) in 14 games for the Yellowjackets.
Frank Spellman
“Frankie” quietly had 35 points last year (16 goals and 19 assists) in 54 games. He was third on the team with goals. He was a calming influence on and off the ice and a relentless worker. He earned a Division III commitment to Endicott College. He has two points (both assists) in six games for the Gulls.
Austin Swingle
“Swings” was the team’s co-captain and one terrific leader. He had 14 points (4 goals and 10 assists) in 48 games. He earned a Division III commitment to Stevenson University and has five points (3 goals and 2 assists) in 10 games for the Mustangs.
Mason Van Tuyl
“Mas” had eight points (1 goal and 7 assists) in 47 games last year. He was a hard worker and your prototypical “stay at home” defenseman. He earned a Division III commitment to the University of Wisconsin – River Falls. He has played in twelve games for the Falcons.
