The Campbell River Storm Junior Hockey Club is pleased to announce that defenseman and current team captain Jordan Rauser has committed to the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) for the 2015-2016 season.
The 5’10”, 185 pound blueliner was born and raised in Campbell River. He joined the Storm during the 2012-13 season and has been a stalwart on the D-core ever since. He played all 48 regular season games this season, recording 4 goals and 10 assists along with 54 minutes in penalties.
“It is an honour to have the opportunity to play for a college hockey program like University of Central Oklahoma,” said Rauser, 20. “I’m very excited to start my collegiate career with the Bronchos. I’d like to thank all my teammates, coaches, friends, and family for helping me to accomplish this goal. Thank you to the Campbell River Storm for providing me with an opportunity to play my junior career in my hometown. I can only hope my collegiate career goes as well as my junior career.”
The University of Central Oklahoma hockey program was founded in 2006. The Bronchos are known for their grit and tenacity and usually find themselves highly ranked among Division 1 teams in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA). In 2009, they made it to the Semi-finals of the ACHA Division 1 National Championship Tournament.
“The University of Central Oklahoma is very fortunate to sign a player with the strength of character that Jordan Rauser has,” says UCO Head Coach Craig McAllister, “Jordan will bring instant toughness to our roster and we’re counting on his defensive shutdown abilities in our push for a National Championship next season,”
Rauser will join goaltender and former Storm teammate Russell Sanderson, who signed with the Bronchos two weeks ago.
Campbell River Head Coach and General Manager Lee Stone says it’s a proud day for the entire Storm organization.
“I am so proud to see Jordan earn the opportunity to continue playing hockey and study at the University of Central Oklahoma,” said Stone. “Jordan has been an integral part of the turn around the Storm program has seen over the last two years. As the longest tenured current player, there is little doubt in my mind the character and leadership Jordan has provided is a major reason we are where we are today. It will be a sad day when ‘J.R.’ doesn’t wear number 27 anymore, but we wish him the very best of luck with the Bronchos!”