The Norwich Sea Captains of the North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) are thrilled to announce that goaltender Andrew Yocum has committed to attend Northland College this fall to continue his academic and hockey careers. Yocum joined the Sea Captains prior to the team’s inaugural season in 2021. He was one of the first players to sign a tender with Norwich after a successful high school career playing for the Lindberg High School Flyers and the Affton Americans midget program. Yocum made a franchise-record 48 appearances in his two seasons in the crimson and navy. He also holds franchise records for wins (16) and shutouts (3). The 2002 Saint Louis, Missouri native will major in Business Management and play for the Lumberjacks’ National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III hockey program. The Jacks compete in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference against some of the top Division III teams in the nation.
Yocum appeared in 27 2022-23 regular season games and one 2023 NA3HL Fraser Cup Playoff game during Norwich’s East Division Semifinal series against the Danbury Jr Hat Tricks. He posted a 14-10-3-0 record to go along with a 2.53 goals against average, a .906 save percentage and three shutouts. His 2.53 Goals against average was ranked thirteenth in the league during the regular season. Yocum earned his first Bauer NA3HL East Division Star of the Week honor on after earning both wins in an opening weekend sweep of the New Jersey Titans by turning away 38 of 40 shots (.950 save percentage) to backstop Norwich to 2-1 and 4-1 victories on September 23 and 24. The next week he earned the Second Star of the Week after recording hos first NA3HL shutout while making 36 saves in a 6-0 win over the New Jersey Titans on October 1. Yocum was tabbed as the Second Star again after making 26 saves to help Norwich top the Long Beach Sharks 2-1 on January 14. He was again recognized as the East Division Star of the Week after recording a 2-0-1-0 week on the strength of a 1.63 goals against average and a .949 save percentage as the Sea Captains dropped an overtime decision 2-1 on February 1 before taking back-to-back games against the Long Beach Sharks on February 2 and 4 by scores of 2-1 and 4-2, respectively. Yocum earned the Joshua’s Worldwide Norwich Sea Captains Goaltender of the Month for October 2022, January 2023 and February 2023 as well as True Goaltending Goaltender of the Month Honorable Mentions form the NA3HL for the same months. He received an additional Honorable Mention in the NA3HL East Division Stars of the Week during the 2021-22 season after earning back-to-back wins, including his first NA3HL victory as he turned away 35 New Jersey shots as Norwich topped the Titans 2-1 in overtime on January 30.
“My decision to choose Northland College to further my athletic and academic careers was an easy one after speaking with Coach Buckley and learning about the campus and facilities. Not to mention the academic opportunities that fit my goals in the classroom that will be complimented by a strong hockey program with a competitive culture committed to striving for excellence,” offered Yocum about his decision to attend Northland. He commented on his two seasons in Norwich as well saying, “My time in Norwich played a critical part in my development as a player and a person. Norwich helped me improve all aspects of my game by helping me establish the habits that I will need to be successful. The facilities that we had available to us and the people that I worked with were top notch. Coach Cunningham, who was a big help throughout my recruiting process, and our goaltending coach Mack Bruch aided my development significantly. Additionally, our Director of Sports Performance, Jenn Tirillo, was a tremendous resource off the ice to help keep my game consistent mentally and physically though the rigors of the season.”
Norwich Head Coach Kevin Cunningham said “I am extremely excited for Andrew that he will be able to continue his academic and hockey careers at Northland College! Andrew was one of the very first players that we brought to Norwich to be a part of our program’s foundation before our inaugural season. His tireless work habits and commitment to his development enabled him to continue to get better every day that he was here. Andrew was a goalie that excelled on the ice and was a teammate that his players and coaches could rely on under any circumstances. I am so glad that he was such a big part or our first two seasons in Norwich and I am beyond thrilled for Andrew and his family that he will get the opportunity to be a part of the Lumberjacks hockey program this fall!”
Yocum becomes the fifth member of the 2022-23 Norwich Sea Captains to announce his college commitment. He joins teammates Andry Guy (Bridgewater State – ACHA DII), Mason Friedrichs (Anna Maria – NCAA DIII), Jack Kinahan (Sacred Heart – ACHA DII) Brendan Pellerito (Western Michigan – ACHA DI), ) and Darrell Smith (Arkansas – ACHA DIII) as players advancing to college hockey next season. All college commitments are sponsored by Eastern CT Contracting.
About Eastern CT Contracting – Providing a range of home services at reasonable prices, Eastern CT Contracting is locally owned and proud to serve the community. Contact them for a free quote today.