Often when a player moves from the junior hockey ranks to NCAA in the United States the term is that they are heading south.
Well, for Battlefords North Stars forward Blake Tatchell he is heading off to play NCAA hockey, but is heading north.
Tatchell verbally accepted a full scholarship to the University of Alaska Anchorage beginning in the 2012-13 season.
After months of taking with scouts from other schools, going of fly downs to visit the school, players and facilities Tatchell finally decided Alaska was the right fit for him.
The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League's second leading scorer has 35 goals and 37 assists in 45 games this season and is just two points back of his total from last season with 12 games remaining.
Tatchell a product of the Battlefords came up the minor hockey ranks, before playing with the Battlefords Midget Stars in the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League and finally playing three seasons with the North Stars.
In 2009-10 Tatchell was named the North Stars rookie of the year and last season he was the Team MVP.
The entire North Stars' organization is extremely proud of Blake for this accomplishment," said North Stars coach and general manager Kevin Hasselberg in a statement released from the team Friday. "His dedication and commitment to the development of his skills are a reason he will be continuing to pursue both academic and athletic goals while with the Seawolves' program."
The Seawolves play in the WCHA conference, which includes North Dakota, Denver, Nebraska-Omaha, Minnesota Duluth, Minnesota, Colorado College, Wisconsin, St. Cloud Stare, Bemidji State, Minnesota Stare and Michigan Tech. in the NCAA. Tatchell will be in the same conference as another former Battlefords' resident, Bryce Gervais who committed to Minnesota State for the 2012-13 season and is currently playing with Penticton in the BCHL.
Tatchell has developed a reputation as a dangerous player on the ice no matter where he gets the puck. He has great hands and great vision and has been a true role model in the community he grew up in and is well deserving of the scholarship.
