CLS Gator Hockey Alumnus Purcell to Play for USHL

Former Crystal Lake South left wing, Eric Purcell, took a huge step this summer toward attaining his goal of playing division 1 NCAA hockey when he tried out and was selected to be part of the Des Moines Buccaneers of the United States Hockey League.

The USHL is the highest division of Junior hockey in the U.S., and it is a major accomplishment for the former Gator player to make it that far. But if things work out, he is far from finished moving up the ranks in the hockey world.

After setting a single season record in the 2009-10 season at Crystal Lake South with 61 goals and 61 assists for 132 points, Purcell made the jump to AAA and led the Chicago Young Americans to a state championship and birth in the national playoffs.

Purcell finished the year with 33 goals and 14 assists in 53 games.

The strong season with CYA opened the door for an opportunity in the North American Hockey League. Although a bit far from home, Purcell found himself in Corpus Christi, Texas.

He took his offensive prowess with him and wasted no time in showing the Corpus Christi fans why he was there. In front of a sell-out crowd on opening night, Purcell went in on a breakaway in overtime and drew a penalty shot. His subsequent goal on the penalty shot gave the Rayz the victory, and the former Gator was off to a great start.

He finished the season with 22 goal, 17 assists in 59 games played.

One would think being that far from home at 18 years of age would be tough on a kid, but Purcell had tremendous local support.

"The billet family I stayed with made me feel right at home," he said from his Crystal Lake home. "They made me part of their family from day one and included me in everything they would do. It was such a great experience with them, and it made living away from home much easier." 

The USHL almost came to Purcell a little earlier than expected.

"My goal was to play in the USHL from the time I made the CYA team," he said. "I almost got there last season, being the last cut at the Lincoln Stars Camp, but used my time in Corpus Christi to develop my skills for this season." 

"My next goal is to get a NCAA Division 1 scholarship, playing pro would be great, but the Division 1 scholarship would be enough for me," Purcell added.

With the success he has had with the CLS Gators Hockey, CYA and Corpus Christi there is no reason to doubt that Purcell will be making his next stop very soon.

Submitted by Crystal Lake South Gator Hockey.