IDAHO JUNIOR STEELHEADS

NORTHWEST DIVISION – WSHL

JUNIOR A ICE HOCKEY

September 1, 2016                                                                                           For Immediate Release

DYNAMIC DUO OF ZGIRSKIS AND WILLIAMS NOW AT WILLISTON STATE COLLEGE

Two of the key players from the Idaho Junior Steelheads’ back-to-back Thorne Cup Championship teams have begun their college careers and will look forward to having an impact during their freshman seasons at Williston State College in Williston, North Dakota.

The Junior Steelheads congratulate both Nikita Zgirskis and Kyle Williams on their choices to attend Williston State.

Zgirskis, the right winger from Riga, Latvia, was the Idaho team’s leading scorer during both the regular and playoff portions of the 2015-2016 season.  He notched a team-leading 38 goals to go along with 39 assists for 77 points in the regular campaign, then added 3 goals and 14 assists for 17 points in 9 playoff contests.

Williams, the center and team co-captain from Sharpsville, Pennsylvania, had 55 regular season points (24-31) and 16 playoff points(11-5) in 8 games, including successive overtime game-winning goals against Missoula for the Northwest Division crown en route to his second Thorne Cup

Williston State Coach John Bowkus, said, “I’m excited about having both these players this season.  I have brought them into our program as Top 6 Forwards.

“With the points they have put up and the work ethic each has,” Bowkus continued, “ there is a good chance of significant playing time for each of them.”

Of the two, Williams reached campus first.  Zgirskis had some challenges with his Visa.

Bowkus noted, “Kyle is doing well.  He is very personable and has a great attitude.”

The Williston State program moves to ACHA DII this season, coming from the National Junior College Athletic Association.  On the horizon for the Tetons is a move up to ACHA D1 as soon as possible.

The Idaho Junior Steelheads wish Nikita Zgirskis and Kyle Williams great success in being a part of the Williston State growth.

Submitted by Dick Dorfman  -  Jr. Steelheads Play-by-Play