By Joshua Boyd / NCDCHockey.com
Ryan Roethke is a three-year junior veteran who is enjoying his second NCDC season with the Idaho Falls Spud Kings. It’s been a long journey, but he’s enjoyed it and knows that his college hockey future looks even more promising.
Roethke, a 2004-born native of Buffalo, Minn., will be moving on to Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn., to begin his NCAA career.
“I am excited to announce my commitment to further my education and play hockey at Concordia College. I would like to thank my family, friends, teammates, and coaches who have helped me along the way. #ROLLCOBBS,” said Roethke, in a statement.
“I would say when Concordia first started to show interest in me, they really liked my speed, shot, and emotion that I play the game with,” added Roethke. “Along with my speed, I feel that I have a goal scorer’s touch as well that I feel is beneficial for me and I’m excited to be bringing that to Concordia.”
Roethke played the full season last year for the former Provo Predators, putting up 36 points in 42 games. After starting this season in the MJHL in Canada, he moved back to the NCDC and has been a productive newcomer for the Spud Kings. In January, his 11 points in nine games earned him a Forward of the Month nod from the Mountain Division coaches.
“Idaho Falls is a special place to play and I’m very grateful to be a part of it. The support in the community is unreal and I couldn’t be happier to play for the Spud Kings,” added Roethke. “You have one of the best, if not the best, junior hockey set up but It’s how you handle things and the work you put in for the team and organization. Everyone brings out the best in you and it’s been a big part of developing all aspects of my game.”
“It is an honor for us to have Ryan as a member of the Spud Kings in his 20-year-old season,” added Spud Kings GM Erik Hudson. “He has been an integral part of our organization, but more importantly he has been an outstanding addition to our community. Excited for Ryan to begin his new chapter of his hockey career.”
Concordia College, which plays in the prestigious Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, provided everything Roethke could ever have hoped to find in an educational institution.
“The first thing that stuck out to me was the quality of the players they bring in, not just on the ice but off the ice. Being in a community in which hockey is ingrained in you, you are in a place to develop. In terms of education they have an outstanding business school that I’m looking forward to being a part of.”
The NCDC congratulates Ryan Roethke, his family, the Idaho Falls Spud Kings and Concordia College for his commitment.
