Hirschfeld to play for Miami (Ohio)

The right wing, 19 today, was the NAHL's North Division Player of the Week.
BOARDMAN -- Alden Hirschfeld has had quite a week.
On Tuesday, the Mahoning Valley Phantoms right wing was named the North American Hockey League's North Division Player of the Week.
On Thursday, he accepted a scholarship to play collegiate hockey this fall for Miami (Ohio).
Today, he'll celebrate his 19th birthday.
"I'm thrilled to play for the RedHawks," Hirschfeld said. "I wanted to stay in Ohio and I'm very thankful to be given the opportunity to play here at the next level."
Hirschfeld recorded eight points on four goals and four assists to capture the weekly NAHL honor, leading the Phantoms to three straight wins last week. On Jan. 15, he scored a season-high four points against the U.S. National Team by scoring twice and assisted on two others in the 7-4 win.
He followed up by scoring a goal and an assist in each of the Phantoms' wins over Traverse City at home on Jan. 19-20.
Fourth to go NCAA Div. I
Hirschfeld is the fourth current Phantom to commit to an NCAA Division 1 program for the 2007-08 school year. He joins goaltender Ryan Zapolski (Mercyhurst), left wing Chris Fairbanks (Alabama-Huntsville) and right wing Nathan Longpre (Robert Morris.)
"Alden is a fine player and a fine young man," Phantoms coach Bob Mainhardt said. "We couldn't be more proud of him becoming a RedHawk."
Hirschfeld, a native of Sylvania, Ohio, is a 2006 graduate of Northview High School. As a junior, he rang up 56 goals and 50 assists for 106 points. In his senior year, he recorded 99 points on 64 goals and 35 assists, leading the Wildcats to the state finals for the first time since 1990.
In 43 games this season, Hirschfeld ranks fourth on the Phantoms and 17th in the NAHL with 23 even-strength points. He is ninth in team scoring with 29 points on 12 goals and 17 assists, on a Phantoms squad that leads the NAHL with a 4.53 goal-scoring average per game.
"When the season started, I knew the amount of ice time I'd have would be very limited, but I wasn't really looking to score goals or get points," Hirschfeld said. "I was looking to be a hard, physical worker and to use my size and strength."
The Phantoms are 32-10-1 and in first place in the NAHL's North Division. During the season, Hirschfeld lives with Phantoms host family Tony and Elisa Cavalier of Youngstown.
The Phantoms, currently in their fourth NAHL season, have seen 21 former Phantoms move on to play NCAA Division 1 hockey.