SURREY, BC — The Surrey Eagles are thrilled to announce goalie Christian Short has committed to the Rochester Institute of Technology, earning a scholarship to the NCAA Division I program beginning in the 2015-2016 season.
The 19-year-old netminder from Woodbridge, Ontario is playing his first season with the Eagles and his first in the BCHL, coming out west after three seasons with the Canterbury School in New Milford, Connecticut.
“I’m really excited to be going to RIT,” said Short. “It’s a great program and an even greater school.”
“I think it’s a great reward for what he’s had to put up with this season, being a goalie on a team that doesn’t have the most delightful record,” said Eagles Head Coach and Director Hockey Operations Blaine Neufeld. “He’s been committed to the process of developing his game, and now he’s taken that next step in committing to RIT. It’s definitely rewarding to see hard work pay off.”
Short’s strong play has been a consistent bright spot for the Eagles this year, though an injury nearly derailed his season. Since returning to the line-up on December 9th he’s posted a pair of wins, including a 34-save shutout against the Chilliwack Chiefs. Short said Rochester was pursuing him before the injury, but had stepped up that pursuit since his return.
“They’ve been after me for about a month and a half now, even before I was out with injury,” said Short. “But they had me come up and visit during the Christmas break and I loved every bit of it. They’ve got a great program there, they’ve just built an unbelievable rink, and I can’t wait to be a Tiger next year. It’s a great decision for both myself and my family, and I’m really happy.”
The Rochester Institute of Technology is located in Henrietta, New York, and its hockey program has been a Division I club in the NCAA since 2005. The Tigers made their first “Frozen Four” appearance in 2010, and notable alumni include Vancouver Canucks defenseman Chris Tanev, as well as Edmonton Oilers forward Steve Pinizzotto.
The Eagles congratulate Short on this momentous accomplishment and wish him nothing but the best with the Rochester Institute of Technology Tigers next season.
