Dearborn native A.J. White commits to UMass Lowell

By Ryan Zuke – 

Defenseman A.J. White has committed to play Division 1 hockey for UMass Lowell for the 2012-13 season after spending two seasons in the North American Hockey League.

The Dearborn native scored 28 goals and added 22 assists last season playing for the Michigan Warriors. White, 20, finished with 85 points and a plus-25 rating in 115 regular season games in his two seasons with the Warriors.

“Seeing players like A.J. develop and showcase their skills as they work toward that next level is what Michigan Warriors hockey is all about,” said Warriors head coach Moe Mantha. “He’s a talented player and a hard worker who gave it his all on the ice and in the classroom. The Warriors organization is proud of him and thrilled to see him rewarded for his effort.”

White tallied five goals and seven assists in the 2011 NAHL playoffs, helping the Warriors advance to the Robertson Cup championship game.

“Getting to play for Moe Mantha was an incredible experience,” White said. “From playing in the NHL and coaching in the pros and in juniors, he knew so much about the game, including what it took to get to the next level. I really enjoyed my time in Flint with the Michigan Warriors. They helped me accomplish my goal of playing D-1 hockey.”

White also had two points in three games at the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament in Troy, Mich. earlier this year.

He joins forward Justin Hoomaian (Michigan State), defenseman Michael Szuma (University of Michigan), defenseman Ryan Trenz (Northern Michigan) and goaltender Robert Tadazak (Army) as the fifth Warrior to commit to a Division 1 hockey program.

For more information on the Michigan Warriors, visit http://www.mywarriors.co.