Grady Hobbs is set to make his way to Rochester, New York full time in the fall. Hobbs has committed to play for the Rochester Institue of Technology (RIT) Hockey Program (NCAA Division 1) for the 2020-21 season.
Back in 2015, Hobbs was drafted third overall at the MJHL Draft in Neepawa and he would end up making the team as a 16-year-old in the 2016-17 campaign.
In his first year with the team, Grady had seven goals and 12 assists in 60 games and he added another seven goals and nine assists the next season. Last season, Hobbs improved his production when he scored 14 goals and chipped in 18 assists in 51 games. In the playoffs, he had four points (1G).
"This is great for our program, it's great for Hobbs and it's great for his entire family," said Doug Hedley, Head Coach, and General Manager. "This is why guys play Jr. A hockey, they want to get to the next level and Grady certainly deserves his. He's been a big part of our success."
"I'm really excited about it. When I first came into the league, getting a Division 1 scholarship was a big goal of mine," said Hobbs. "It was nice to get done and I'm really happy with the school I chose."
Grady has been on a tear this season and is no doubt enjoying his best season as a King to date. He has 30 goals and 33 assists for a 63 point total and he still has nine games left. He's currently second in the league scoring race.
Earlier this season, Grady also surpassed the 200 games played mark with the team and he's third on the all-time list with the team behind only Brendan Arnold and Shane Luke.
"He's a great kid on and off the ice, he's a leader for us," commented Hedley on what Hobbs means to the team. "We wish him nothing but the best beginning next season."
This year, RIT is 15-11-4. Their most impressive win of the season came back on January 11 when they beat UMass-Lowell who is the 13th ranked team in the nation.
Hobbs and the rest of the Kings are back on the ice tomorrow evening when they play the Neepawa Natives. Darnell Duff has the pregame show beginning at 7:15.
