Jordan Schmaltz commits

Per the Chicago Mission's website (and a heads-up by an alert reader), defenseman Jordan Schmaltz has verballed to the Badgers. Looks like the earliest he'd be here is 2012. Can't say I know much about him -- I'm hoping that Chuck and/or Gandalf, or DPlaya on HIW, will have something to say.

U 16's Schmaltz Accepts Full Scholarship to Wisconsin

Jordan Schmaltz, the talented defenseman who will be patrolling the blue line for the Chicago Mission U 16 team this season, and who helped anchor the Mission '93 National Championship runners-up squad, has accepted a full scholarship to the University of Wisconsin. Schmaltz is entering his freshman year in high school, and has been commuting from Wisconsin to play for the Mission for the past three seasons.

"Jordy is not only an extraordinary player, but also an outstanding young man from a wonderful family," said his coach of the past two season Mike McPartlin. "On the ice you immediately notice what a smooth, strong skater he is, but it's his hockey IQ and his phenomenal passing skills that ultimately set him apart. And although he's definitely gifted athletically, there's a lot more to him than just that. Jordy also has that burning passion to compete and be the best. All these qualities make him one of those rare players who makes the players around him better."

Schmaltz is the third Mission under-aged player to receive a full scholarship offer in the past 6 months. '93 USNDPT bound defenseman Rob Russo and '92 forward T.J. Tynan, who will both skate for the Mission Midget Major team this year, accepted offers from the University of Notre Dame.

"The Mission organization is extremely proud of Jordan's achievement," said Director of Hockey Operations Chico Adrahtas. "It is especially gratifying to see this pay off for his entire family, who have sacrificed greatly with the challenge of an incredibly long commute. We're so proud to have been able to provide an environment that would allow for him to have his talents recognized and developed."