Johnz posted on May 11, 2012 at 1:35 PM
Junior Royals alumni forward Frank Dichiara commits to Princeton May 11, 2012
Frank Dichiara, who was a member of the 2010-11 Long Island Jr. Royals has
committed to NCAA Division I Princeton University. The Jr Royals, proud members of the Metropolitan Junior Hockey League (MJHL) are pleased to announce that Frank Dichiara has announced his commitment to play NCAA Division I Hockey for Princeton University of the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC).
Dichiara, 18, who hails from Ronkonkoma, New York, had a tremendous rookie season with the St. Louis Bandits of the North American Hockey League in the 2011-12 season. He was third in team scoring with 51 points (23 goals, 28 assists) in 59 games played. The 6’2/215 lbs. forward helped the Bandits win the Midwest Division regular season and playoff titles and a Runner-Up finish in the Robertson Cup National Championship game. He registered eight points in 12 playoff games.Dichiara also represented the NAHL 18U Selects Team at the 2012 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament in Troy, Michigan back in February.
“It was a real easy decision for me because I think Princeton has one of the best schools in the country, both academically and athletically,” said Dichiara, who was named to the 2011-12 NAHL All-Rookie 1st Team for his accomplishments this season. “They really started taking an interest in me at the Top Prospects Tournament and it just took off from there.”
“I thought Frank had a lot of determination from the start,” said Bandits head coach Jeff Brown. “He came in and right off the bat, he worked hard, paid his dues and put a lot of time and energy into becoming a better hockey player. He was one of the youngest players on the team and worked his way up to be a top six forward. He has great hockey sense, size and is a gifted player, so we are very happy for him.”
The Royals are proud of Frank and all of his accomplishments both on and off the ice and congratulate him and the DiChiara family.