BROOKS, AB (May 4, 2015) – The Brooks Bandits of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) are happy to announce the commitment of 1996-born defenceman James Gobetz (St. James, NY) to the program for the 2015-16 season.
“James was a highly sought after recruit and we are thrilled with his decision to pursue the NCAA through our program,” said Bandits head coach and general manager Ryan Papaioannou. “His combination of size, strength, mobility and offensive flare make him a natural fit for our blue line.”
Gobetz, 18, played the past 3 years for the Salisbury School Crimson Knights in Salisbury, Connecticut, winning a New England Prep championship in each of those three years (2013, 2014, 2015) – the first school to ever accomplish that feat. This past season, Gobetz was second on the Crimson Knights in scoring with 28 points (5 goals, 23 assists) in 29 games, and served as the team’s captain.
In addition, the 6’3”, 200lb defenceman also won a Tier I USA Hockey National Championship this season with the Connecticut Wolf Pack 18U AAA team, recording 2 goals and 2 assists in 6 national tournament games.
“It's important for us to add players that know how to win,” Papaioannou added, “and with his success at Salisbury over the last 3 years he has shown the ability to be a part of a championship team.”
“His presence on the Connecticut Wolf Pack during their run to an 18U National Championship this season was another testament to his championship qualities.”
Gobetz’s Wolf Pack defeated the #5 nationally-ranked Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets, #3-ranked Springfield Riffles, and #1-ranked Shattuck St. Mary’s en route to the championship win over the New Jersey Avalanche.
“Joining the Brooks Bandits was an easy decision,” said Gobetz. “It's a top notch team in a top notch league filled with great people, passionate fans and great coaches.”
“I couldn't be happier about joining them next year.”
Gobetz is the third newly-committed player for the 2015-16 season that the Bandits have announced, joining 1996-born defenceman Ben Foley (Edina, MN) and 1996-born forward Austin Wright (Niagara Falls, ON).