The Wildcats got an early Christmas present with the mid-season addition of power-forward, Jack Kurrle.

Kurrle, standing 6’1”, 190-pounds, comes from Middlesex, Vermont and had originally made his commitment to The University of Vermont (NCAA D1). Kurrle brings a ton of junior experience, playing in over 100 games with the Maine Nordiques (NAHL), Trail Smoke Eaters (BCHL), and Prince George Spruce Kings (BCHL).

“I chose the University of Arizona for so many reasons,” said Jack Kurrle. “Besides for how beautiful the campus is and how much there is to offer, the top reason is to play high-level hockey while getting my business degree in a community that is passionate about its team. I can wait to meet my teammates and get to work on winning a national championship.”

Kurrle plays a heavy, competitive game and takes tremendous pride in the defensive zone, something coach Berman couldn’t pass up.

“Honestly, we weren’t looking to add a forward at the break,” said coach Berman. “We like the depth and pieces we already have up front. Not to mention, we have some important players coming off injury and hope to make their season debut in January. However, Jack brings exactly the kind of game we needed to complement our skill. I won’t hide from it; I am tired of being one-and-done in the national tournament and felt like we needed to be tougher to play against. That’s exactly what Jack brings. He is defensively elite, strengthening our defensive zone coverage below the dots with great angles and an ultra-competitive mindset. He brings size and speed, with a simple, physical game. I particularly like his game off the puck on zone entries, where he consistently keeps his feet moving though the neutral zone, bringing middle drive that opens space for his linemates. I have done my homework and know we are bringing in a good person who plays for the guy next to him. He has that ‘hate to lose’ mentality and I think you can’t have enough of that in a championship locker room. Plain and simple, he makes us better and we are excited to add him to the group.”

The Wildcats will return from the holiday break for a top-ten matchup January 19 and 20 at Maryville University, coached by former Wildcat, John Hogan. Wildcat fans will get their first opportunity to see Jack Kurrle and the rest of the Wildcat’s at the TCC the following weekend, when the Wildcats take On Oregon January 25th at 7:30 pm.