Fighting Saints forward, Boyle commits to Bentley

DUBUQUE, Iowa — Dubuque Fighting Saints forward Michael Boyle (Phoenix, Ariz.) has committed to Bentley University in the Atlantic Hockey Conference for the 2017–18 season. Boyle came to the Fighting Saints this past season after spending his first season in the USHL with the Sioux City Musketeers.

“I’m really excited about the school, the direction of the hockey program, the new rink that is being built, as well as the academic side of things—it’s unbelievable,” Boyle said. “I couldn’t ask for anything more in a school, and I felt like it was the perfect fit for me.”

Boyle notched 16 points and 141 penalty minutes over 102 USHL games as both a forward and a defenseman with the Musketeers and the Fighting Saints. He came into the league as a 7^th round selection by Sioux City in 2015.

11 of those 16 points, and 114 of those 141 penalty minutes came as a result of playing under head coach/GM Jason Lammers, who continually lauded Boyle’s unwavering effort on the forecheck and in all game situations.

“Michael came into training camp this season knowing what kind of player he could be for the Dubuque Fighting Saints, and he was a huge part of our team both on and off the ice,” Lammers said. “He showcases excellence in all things. We wish him well at Bentley.”

The Falcons are led by 16^th-year head coach Ryan Soderquist, who has been a part of the Bentley hockey program for his four years as a player, and for every year except one since the conclusion of his hockey career as a coach.

“Coach Soderquist understands what my role was here in Dubuque, and that was huge,” Boyle added. “They really seemed like they were waiting for me to fill that spot, because they needed extra depth in their lineup. They know I’ll do anything it takes to win.”

Boyle will see teammate Jacob Hamacher with RIT, and Lammers as the head coach at Niagara University this upcoming season.