In a milestone announcement, the Midwest Junior Hockey League has announced that former Soo Firehawks’ forward Ashton Calder has become the league’s first NCAA Division I commitment as he will play at Lake Superior State University starting in 2016 or 2017.

With the Firehawks in 2013-14, Calder posted 13 goals and 32 points in 24 games and was named the league’s Rookie of the Week on Nov. 12, 2013.

Calder recently spoke with CollegeHockeyNews.com to discuss his commitment to play for his hometown school.

"I am born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and I used to go to all of the Lakers games and cheer for them,” said Calder. “I used to always say I wanted to be a Laker and hopefully, I could be one when I'm older. The program feels like a perfect fit for me. When I was speaking to the staff, they were very welcoming and felt like I could trust them. I visited the campus at the beginning of the 2014-2015 season and I fell in love with the place as soon as I stepped foot there. Lake Superior State University has a lot of tradition and I love that."

Firehawks’ coach Joe Esson is elated to see Calder choose LSSU and the WCHA.

“Calder is a very talented forward,” Esson said. “He has a nose for the puck and he always puts up a lot of points. I'm very happy for him.”

In the CHN story, Calder also said playing in front of friends and family once he arrives on campus (he’ll play a high level of junior hockey in 2015-16) will be the realization of a lifelong dream.

"I am very excited to play in front of my hometown,” said Calder. “It has always been my dream to play college hockey in front of my family and community. I owe a lot to them for supporting me and helping me get where I am today. Sault Ste. Marie is a hockey town and it's one of the greatest in my opinion. The coaching and development I got growing up around here was amazing and I am very thankful to have been in such a great hockey community my whole life."

In addition, the Firehawks also announced that former players Brandt Miller (Northland College/NCAA D-III) and John-Michael Barlow (University of Michigan-Dearborn/ACHA D-I) have also made college commitments for the 2015-16 season.

“Barlow was always a hard worker small in size, but always in the right spot,” Esson said. “It's been a while since I have seen him play, but I'm sure proud of his commitment. I always knew Miller would be successful. He has a giant passion for the game and his work ethic is what it takes to move on in hockey.”

At the end of the day, moving players on to the next level is what the Firehawks’ program takes pride in doing. 

“I'm very happy I have had the pleasure of coaching these three young men,” said Esson. “The Firehawk family wishes them all the very best.”