Bismarck forward Irey makes NCAA DI commitment
September 20, 2018
The Bismarck Bobcats of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are pleased to announce that forward and Bismarck native Kirklan Irey has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for the Bemidji State University Beavers in the WCHA.
“It’s an honor to say that I’m committed to be a Beaver and it’s a great feeling to know that my next step after juniors is set,” stated Irey, a product of the Century High School program in Bismarck. “It lets me focus on playing hockey this year to the best of my abilities and help our team back to the playoffs and the Robertson Cup.”
Irey, who began his first season as a Bobcat on Wednesday at the 2018 NAHL Showcase, tallied 34 goals and 46 assists as a junior for Century in 2017-18—leading the Patriots to their first ever state finals appearance.
“Helping players advance to the college level is what we’re all about here with the Bobcats and in the NAHL, but being able to help a local player like Kirk take that step is even more special for us,” admitted Bobcats head coach and general manager Layne Sedevie—another Bismarck native who played his college hockey in Bemidji. “Kirklan’s hockey IQ and his ability to make plays are off the charts and when you combine that with his work ethic, that’s going to make him a big-time college hockey player.”
A whirlwind recruitment process pulled the 17-year-old winger in numerous directions but in the end, the Beavers were the right fit.
“Once I toured the campus and met with Coach [Tom] Serratore’s staff, I knew I wanted to play at Bemidji State,” added Irey, named an all-state forward in North Dakota a season ago. “Coach [Travis] Winter came to all of our preseason games and met with me and I knew that they were serious about their interest of having me become a Beaver.”
Irey is already the fourth member of the 2018-19 Bobcats to commit to play Division I, joining Adam Stacho (American International), Mitch Walinski (Air Force) and Jacob Marti (Air Force).
