Men's Ice Hockey 9/20/2021 12:59:48 PM Swankler named Preseason Rookie of the Year Follow @CCHAHockey Incoming Bowling Green State Falcons’ freshman Austen Swankler has been selected as the Central Collegiate Hockey Association’s (CCHA) Preseason Rookie of the Year, according to the league’s head coaches. Swankler, 20, most recently played Major Junior with the Erie Otters in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) where he amassed an impressive 45 points (18G, 27A) in 59 games. The North Huntingdon, Penn. native also suited up for the Sioux Falls Stampede in the United States Hockey League (USHL), tallying 36 points (11G, 25A) in 44 games en-route to capturing the USHL's Clark Cup. Swankler played his AAA youth hockey with the Pittsburgh Jr. Penguins in the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League (T1EHL) and the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies (Mich.) in the High Performance Hockey League (HPHL). The six-foot, 185-pound centerman will play his first season of NCAA Division I Hockey this season after committing to Bowling Green State University on Jul. 28, 2021. The CCHA Media Day will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, Sep. 21, 2021, beginning at 9 a.m. CT / 10 a.m. ET. Along with CCHA Commissioner Don Lucia and CCHA Director of Officiating Kevin Langseth, all eight CCHA Head Coaches will preview the upcoming season and be available to answer questions from local, regional and national media outlets virtually via a Zoom video conference. About the CCHA: The Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) competes in the highest level of NCAA Division I Hockey and is regarded as one of the top player development leagues in the world for the National Hockey League (NHL). The CCHA consists of eight member institutions, four in the state of Michigan: Ferris State University, Lake Superior State University, Michigan Technological University and Northern Michigan University. Three in the State of Minnesota: Minnesota State University-Mankato, Bemidji State University and University of St. Thomas. One in Ohio: Bowling Green State University. For media inquires, contact: Dominic Hennig Director of Strategic Communications & Brand Advancement Central Collegiate Hockey Association Hennig@ccha.com (586) 925-6095 Â
