Recupero Named to D2 Selects

Ice Lions senior captain Jim Recupero was confirmed Wednesday as a late addition to the ACHA Division 2 Select Team. The D2 Selects will play six games in Munich, Germany and Bled, Slovenia, beginning December 28 through January 5.

Said Recupero, via the release:

"It is an honor and great opportunity for me to get to represent Penn State University and my country with the select team. This is a great honor for me after playing for the Ice Lions the last four years, I will do my best to represent everyone with pride and dignity during my time overseas."

PSU head coach Josh Hand was also excited:

"This is a great honor for Jim. He really deserves to take part in a trip like this, he has worked extremely hard the last four years for the Ice Lions and has done an outstanding job as the captain of our team this year. This is why I enjoy coaching so much, getting a chance to see great people and players get the opportunity do great things with the sacrifice and hard work they put in at this level."

So far this season, the North Huntington, PA native forward has led the Ice Lions in assists (19), and his 33 points are good for second on the team. He scored an overtime winner against DePaul in the ACHA Showcase on October 7, one of PSU's 17 wins against just two defeats - a record that has earned the No. 3 ranking in ACHA D2's southeast region.

Among the opponents for the D2 Selects in Munich are ERSC Ottobrunn, ERC Sonthofen and EHC Waldkraiburg. HDD Olimpia Ljbubljana, HDD Bled or Acroni Jesenice and EC Pfaffenhofen IceHogs represent the opposition in Bled. Joining Recupero on the team coached by Florida Gulf Coast University's Bob Brinkworth are two other MACHA players, UMBC defenseman Nikolaus Jost and Temple goaltender Will Neifeld.

Further information about the D2 Select Team is available at achad2selects.com.