Trip to Connecticut seals Schneider’s choice

BOARDMAN — Mahoning Valley Phantoms forward Cole Schneider has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey at the University of Connecticut.

Schneider, who has nine goals and eight assists in 25 games, has accepted a scholarship to be a Husky starting in 2010.

“It feels pretty good to know that I’ve got a future somewhere once I’m finished playing for the Phantoms,” said the Williamsville, N.Y., native.

The Huskies, in their 11th year as a Division I team, play in the Atlantic Hockey Conference.

Schneider made his commitment while on his official visit to Connecticut where he toured the campus and took in a Huskies game at the Mark Edward Freitas Ice Forum. The first-year Mahoning Valley forward said he hadn’t made up his mind until the visit.

“I had a good meeting with Coach [Bruce] Marshall and the rest of the coaching staff,” the Phantoms’ fourth-leading scorer said. “They took me around and showed me the campus. It’s a beautiful place and a great school with a solid reputation. I was able to make my decision right there.”

Signing on to UConn continues a big week for Schneider, who netted four goals in Sunday’s and Monday’s games to help the Phantoms sweep the Alpena IceDiggers and secure first place in the North American Hockey League’s North Division.

He is the fourth Phantom to accept an NCAA D-I scholarship, following Brad Smith (Ohio State), Alex Lippincott (Ohio State) and Michael Gunn (Michigan State).