April 1, 2009
Van Riemsdyk Signs With Flyers
CHN Staff Report
DURHAM, N.H. — New Hampshire sophomore forward James van Riemsdyk has signed with the Philadelphia Flyers, and is expected to play for the team's American Hockey League affiliate in Albany tonight.
Van Riemsdyk was the second overall pick of the Flyers in the 2007 NHL Draft, becoming the highest drafted Wildcat in program history. He was a Hockey East All-Rookie selection in 2007-08, as he posted 34 points. This past season, van Riemsdyk was an All-Hockey East Second Team honoree. Overall, the sophomore forward led the team with 40 points and ranked first on the team and second in the nation in shorthanded goals with four.
"It has been my lifelong dream to one day play in the NHL," van Riemsdyk said. "The University of New Hampshire provided me with the opportunity to become a student-athlete at one of the country's most highly-regarded ice hockey programs. This opportunity has allowed me to be able to continue my development as an athlete, student, and person. UNH has played a crucial role in preparing me for this important next step in my hockey career and I shall be forever grateful. I fully intend to complete my academic obligations for the current second semester."
A highly touted recruit, van Riemsdyk came to UNH after two seasons with the United States National Program. He led the U.S. U-18 team in scoring in 2006-07 with 63 points (33-30) in 42 games. In addition, he represented the United States in each of the past three World Junior Championship and was the tournament's leading scorer in 2008.
The Wildcats finished 2008-09 with a 2-1 loss to Boston University in the NCAA Northeast Regional final last Sunday.
