January 31, 2008

Stars’ Akers Commits to Niagara University

Syracuse Stars’ forward Kurt Akers has committed to Niagara University for the fall of 2008. 

Akers, who will be joining fellow Stars’ goaltender Chris Noonan at Niagara University, was very excited to finally make his decision. “Playing Division 1 College Hockey has always been what I have wanted to do ever since I can remember. I feel privileged to have this opportunity to play for Niagara University, it’s a great program with a strong commitment to achieving success and I’m very happy to become a part of it. Coming to the Stars program this year has been a great experience and I look forward to competing for a League Championship. I want to thank my coaches who have helped me get to where I am now, and I want to thank my teammates for supporting me throughout this season,” said Akers.

“Kurt has been a tremendous addition to the Syracuse program this year,” said head coach Chris Firriolo. “He’s been a key player in every situation for us all year long. He’s simply a complete hockey player. He’s a work horse with a lot of speed, real strong puck skills and has great vision on the ice. Kurt’s been one of our top goal scorers this year and has played a huge role on our power play and penalty kill units. He’s a very strong student who wants to study pre-med and I think Niagara will afford him every opportunity to succeed both on and off the ice.”     

Akers was a Northern Division All-Star selection this year who presently is tied for 6th in the league in goals scored with 20. He has received both the EJHL Offensive Player of the Week Award and the EJHL Rookie of the Week Award this season.

Kurt is the son of Paul and Melissa Akers of Glenview, IL.