Dearborn Native Commits to Play Hockey with UMass Lowell

The North American Hockey League’s Michigan Warriors on Tuesday announced that Dearborn native and defenseman A.J. White has committed to play for the University of Massachusetts at Lowell for the 2012-13 season.

UMass Lowell competes in the Division 1 Hockey East conference.

White, 20, totaled 39 goals and 46 assists for 85 points in 115 regular season games over the past two seasons with the Warriors. He tallied seven goals and 10 assists for 17 points in 20 career NAHL playoff games, helping the Warriors advance to the Robertson Cup championship game in 2011.

White competed in the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament in Troy, Mich. earlier this year. He is a graduate of in Dearborn.

“Seeing players like A.J. develop and showcase their skills as they work toward that next level is what Michigan Warriors hockey is all about,” said Warriors head coach Moe Mantha. “He’s a talented player and a hard worker who gave it his all on the ice and in the classroom. The Warriors organization is proud of him and thrilled to see him rewarded for his effort.”

White expressed excitement over his next step forward, and thanked the Michigan Warriors for helping him get there.

"Getting to play for Moe Mantha was an incredible experience," White said. "From playing in the NHL and coaching in the pros and in juniors, he knew so much about the game, including what it took to get to the next level. I really enjoyed my time in Flint with the Michigan Warriors.

"They helped me accomplish my goal of playing D-1 hockey."

The UMass Lowell River Hawks advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament in 2012 after finishing second to NCAA Champion Boston College in the Hockey East conference.

For more information on the Michigan Warriors, visit http://www.mywarriors.co.