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Langley Rivermen defenseman Tony Bretzman has committed to play college hockey for the University of Notre Dame. The St. Thomas Academy alum is in his first season in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL). The Mendota Heights, Minn. native has two goals and 11 assists in 33 games played for Bobby Henderson's Rivermen.
Bretzman is a defenseman who can move the puck up ice. "Tony is a smooth skating, puck moving defenseman. Tony has the ability to make evasive maneuvers at full speed under pressure," said Henderson, a former player at Nebraska-Omaha.
"Tony's greatest asset is his vision. He has the ability to create seams and distribute the puck effectively," added the second year head coach of the Rivermen.
Notre Dame is getting a tremendous student-athlete who will add character to the team, according to Henderson.
"The entire Rivermen organization couldn't be more excited for Tony. He is truly a deserving student-athlete. Tony has done a terrific job representing the Rivermen, the Township of Langley and his home state of Minnesota," said Henderson, a former captain with the Chilliwack Chiefs in the BCHL.
Bretzman, a five-foot-ten '94, will matriculate to Notre Dame in the fall to begin playing for Jeff Jackson.
Jeff Cox covers college and junior hockey, NCAA recruiting, NHL Draft prospects and the AHL for SBNation. Follow him on twitter @JeffCoxSBNation.