BULLS ALL-TIME ADVANCEMENT LIST
ANGOLA, Ind. – The North Iowa Bulls, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), are pleased to announce that goaltender Kyle Kozma has committed to continue his hockey career at Trine University, an NCAA Division III institution and member of the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association (NCHA).
Kozma, a native of Vaughan, Ontario, Canada, finished his junior career with North Iowa this season in his first full year of NAHL competition. He began the season with the Aberdeen Wings and also spent time with the Minnesota Magicians, joining the Bulls ahead of the roster deadline in February. His 7-13-3-1 record, 3.68 goals-against average and .890 save percentage included a Midwest Division Star of the Week award for his play over the New Year’s weekend, and a resounding 25-save victory in his Bulls debut on February 5. His turn in the NAHL came after a successful stint in the Canadian junior “A” ranks, suiting up for teams in Ontario, Alberta and Manitoba.
“Kyle Kozma is a goaltender that brings a calm to the game, and is a tremendous teammate,” said North Iowa head coach and general manager Todd Sanden. “He puts in the time at and away from the rink to be a goalie his teammates can count on. He will be a successful collegiate netminder.”
He now joins one of the newer programs in NCAA Division III hockey, with the Thunder playing their first game in 2017. Trine is coming off of its most successful season yet under head coach Alex Todd, a 19-9 campaign that saw the team reach the NCHA’s Harris Cup semifinals for the second time in three years. The Thunder did it all with a remarkably young goaltending corps – three goaltenders appeared in competition for Trine this season, all of whom were freshmen or sophomores. His commitment makes him the first North Iowa alumnus ever to attend Trine University.
“When I was being recruited, Coach (Alex) Todd said that there would be lots of opportunity for me to play as a freshman, which was very appealing to me,” said Kozma. “Trine is a very well-run and organized program, and I think it will be a great fit for me to grow as a goalie, a student and a person. I am excited to start this new chapter in my life at a great school, with a great hockey program.”
Kozma says he will pursue a degree in business marketing while at Trine.
The North Iowa Bulls congratulate Kyle Kozma on his NCAA commitment to Trine University, and wish him continued success in the next stage of his academic and athletic career.