Phantoms’ Winter to play for Quinnipiac

The forward made
a verbal commitment
for next season.

BOARDMAN — Mahoning Valley Phantoms forward Miles Winter has made a verbal commitment to play next season at Quinnipiac University, a NCAA Division I program.

“It feels great, and it is a lot of pressure off me.” Winter said. “It’s been something I’ve been striving for, for practically my entire life. Now that it has happened, it’s a ton of weight off my shoulders and I can just worry about winning the championship.”

Winter is from Horsham, Pa. Quinnipiac University is located in Hamden, Conn., about 30 miles south of Hartford, and close to home for Winter.

“Obviously it is a top-notch school,” Winter said. “The campus is amazing, it’s just beautiful, and it’s only a three-hour drive from home. It gives my parents an opportunity to come and see every home game, and when I do go home, it’s not too long of a drive.”

Phantoms coach Bob Mainhardt said Winter made a good choice.

“They have an unbelievable organization, and are really growing into one of the most respected programs in the country,” said Mainhardt. “Whether it be athletically or academically, they have great resources, and Miles will be able to come out of there ready for his professional life. I just think it is going to be a great fit for everybody.”

Quinnipiac is 10-5-2 this season and tied for fourth place in the Eastern College Athletic Conference.

“They are a school looking for a big power forward, and I’m a big guy and fit that role,” Winter said. “I am trying to come in and play the role that they have for me and be a big, hard hitting, grinding, shoot-the-puck kind of guy.”

In two seasons with the Phantoms, Winter, who turns 20 Friday, has scored 42 goals and 59 assists in 98 regular season and playoff games.