Apr. 9, 2008
Women’s Ice Hockey

BEMIDJI, Minn. - Bemidji State University women’s hockey coach Steve Sertich announced today the signing of Emily Erickson to a National Letter of Intent. She will begin her career donning the green and white in fall 2008.

She joins Montana Vichorek and Marlee Wheelhouse as the first three members of the 2008-09 class. Vichorek and Wheelhouse signed their NLI’s during the early signing period on Nov. 16.

“We’re really honored that Emily Erickson is coming to BSU,” Sertich said. “She’s not only one of the top players in Northern Minnesota, but one of the top players in the whole state of Minnesota.”

Erickson (F, 5’9”, Coleraine, Minn./Greenway HS) was a Top-5 finalist for the Ms. Hockey Award, given annually to the top senior girls’ high school hockey player in Minnesota.

The six-year letterwinner played in the 2007 and 2008 state hockey tournaments, and finished second this past year. She was awarded the Herb Brooks award during this year’s tournament. She was named to the 2008 AA state hockey all-tournament team, and was named to the Associated Press All-State first team.

“She brings some offensive excitement that is sorely needed for us,” Sertich said. “We’re hoping that she can jump right in and be an impact player right from the start. I think she’s the type of player that will buy into a system, that’ll work hard and that will be well-liked by her teammates.

“She’s got a great quickness and acceleration that catches opponents by surprise. She’s got a great feel for the game as far as when to get open, when to move. She can beat players one-on-one in a way that is well-advanced compared to a lot of high school players. She has some great offensive instincts that have been really lacking here.”

Erickson lettered once in track and field, four times in softball and six times in tennis during her high school career. She was also a member of the National Honor Society and was on the Honor Roll.

“She’s a top student-athlete and is very well-liked in her community and by her teammates,” Sertich said. “I’ve heard nothing but good things about her as a person as well as being a very good hockey player.

“She’s gifted in the fact that she makes people around her better, and that’s a unique quality that she has.”

--bsu--