GATES MILLS, Ohio, August, 8, 2017 - Gilmour Academy has five student-athletes who recently made commitments to continue their hockey careers beyond the high school level. Ani Fitzgerald '19 verbally committed to play NCAA Division I hockey at Northeastern University. Michael Carr '17 and Sam Lau '17 both signed Jr. A contracts to play for the Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL) Cornwall Colts, while Brett Reed '17 signed a contract with the Drayton Valley Thunder of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL). Tim Lopez '17 earned his opportunity to continue his career after being drafted in the fourth round of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) Draft by the Brookings Blizzard.
Fitzgerald (Shaker Heights, Ohio) helped lead the Lancer girls prep hockey team to a 2017 Mid-Am District Championship. She recorded 53 goals and 18 assists for a total of 61 points in the team's 42 games this past season.
"Ani is a gifted student-athlete. She has big-time athletic ability on the hockey rink and is equally outstanding in the classroom. She has a bright future ahead of her at Northeastern and higher levels," said Gilmour girls prep hockey head coach Rob Potter.
Carr (Columbus, Ohio) was one of the Lancer boys prep hockey team's top goalies, earning a 0.90 goals against average and a .953 save percentage in the team's Midwest Prep Hockey League (MPHL) regular season.
"Hands down he was the best goalie in our league and that was demonstrated with his incredible stats. We couldn't be happier for him in this next stage of his hockey career, which is a promising one," said boys prep hockey head coach Mike Chiellino.
Lau (Prospect, Ky.) had seven goals and 10 assists for a total of 17 points in 53 games played for the prep team.
"He did a fabulous job being a leader for our program the past three years and the Colts are getting a first-class person and competitor," said Chiellino.
Reed (Liberty Township, Ohio) totaled 54 points in 55 games played for the Lancer boys prep team.
"He was one of our most consistent players this season. He regularly was a guy the team could rely on for solid play and a strong work ethic," said Chiellino.
Lopez (Loveland, Colo.) had eight goals and six assists for a total of 14 points in 48 games played for the prep team.
"Tim grew as a player during his four years with the program and him being drafted and signing in the NAHL has really put us on the map. We are excited for him and wish him the best," said Chiellino.
Gilmour Academy is a Catholic, independent, coeducational, college-preparatory school. It is sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross, Notre Dame, Ind., and offers a Montessori program beginning at 18-months-old and a Lower School, Middle School and Upper School. A boarding program is offered to students in Grades 7 through 12. It is located at 34001 Cedar Road in Gates Mills, Ohio.