Playing for the Kelowna Chiefs last season helped Ryan Antonakis secure a commitment to play hockey with the University of New England (UNE) next fall.
Antonakis enjoyed his time with the Chiefs in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League, saying it was one of the best cities to play junior hockey in “with the great city, beautiful geography, and great fan base.”
“I was able to use it as a stepping stone on my path to college hockey and was able to hone in on becoming a better puck-moving defenceman,” says Antonakis, who has seven assists in 25 games with the Twin City Thunder in the U.S. Premier Hockey League.
Steve Dunsmoor photo
The Lakeville, MN, product is excited about the opportunity to further his education, while continuing his hockey career in Division III.
“I decided to commit to UNE because it felt like the perfect fit,” says Antonakis, who had five goals and 27 points in 44 games with the Chiefs last season, then added two assists in six playoff games. “I like the medical aspect of the school as well as the great hockey program they have.”
“We are excited that Ryan will be getting a great education while continuing his hockey career at UNE,” says head coach Dan Hodge on the Thunder website. “He will be coached by one of the best staff in the country and we are excited to see his game improve at the college level.”
