The Rebels are pleased to announce that forward Dean Balsamo has committed to play NCAA Division 1 Ice Hockey for the Bentley University Falcons, who play in the Atlantic Hockey Association (AHC). His commitment begins in the fall of 2016.
Balsamo, 20, is third on the team in points with 39 and second on the team with 19 goals this season. The left-handed shooting forward is from Sterling Heights, MI. He is playing in his third year of junior hockey, and he is the Rebels second NCAA commitment.
Balsamo played on the East team at the recently concluded NAHL Top Prospects tournament in Plymouth, MI. He had one point in two games. He was named Honorable Mentioned as the top forward in the league in October, and he was named second star of the week for the East Division for week ending December 20, 2015.
“I’m really excited to sign with Bentley University and move on to play hockey at the next level” stated Balsamo. “I am extremely thankful to my parents and all of my coaches and teammates who have helped me get to where I am going” concluded Balsamo.
“I am happy for Dino” said Rebels head coach Joe Coombs. “It has been a long time coming and I am glad to see his hard work pay off with his commitment to Bentley. It’s a good fit for him” stated Coombs.
Bentley University is located in Waltham, MA. The Falcons are coached by Ryan Soderquist, who is in his thirteenth year at the helm. Bentley is an original member of the AHA, and the Falcons began playing D1 hockey in 1999.