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Martin steady for Dakota College

Vercaigne helps ‘Jacks

Elkhorn’s Pierce Martin is succeeding in his sophomore season with the Dakota College at Bottineau men’s hockey team.

The son of Brad and Alanna Martin has provided a veteran presence on defence for the North Dakota school squad. The Lumberjacks compete at the American Collegiate Hockey Association Division II level.

“Pierce has been steady for us on the blueline,” Dakota College at Bottineau head coach Travis Rybchinskisaid. “He gives us a good first pass and has a good wrist shot from the point.”

The Lumberjacks bench boss also noted that Martin has matured as a student-athlete during his time with the ‘Jacks.

“He has learned better time management and knows to be successful he has to put in the time on and off the ice.”

The Lumberjacks had a long tradition as a junior college powerhouse before moving to the ACHA. The team is strongly supported by the college and community.

“(Some things) I think I’ve enjoyed most about playing for the Lumberjacks would have to be the energy and atmosphere, and how the team comes together so easily no matter the circumstances,” Martin said.

This season the Lumberjacks have faced the challenge of a pared down schedule. Currently the team is only playing schools in its home state. With many university and junior hockey leagues paused or cancelled, Martin said he has enjoyed “the opportunity to be able to come back and be back on the ice with this team.”

He will graduate this spring with an associate’s degree in business administration. Martin is interested in that field because he said there are endless opportunities. He has yet to decide whether he will return to Dakota College for a third season or look into opportunities to study and play at a four-year university.

No matter where things take him, he knows he has the backing of his parents.

“They have been the backbone to my career and have always pushed me to my best,” Martin said. “I can never thank them enough for all that they’ve done for me.”

Vercaigne helps ‘Jacks

Former REMP Renegade Nic Vercaigne is an important contributor for the Dakota College at Bottineau men’s hockey team.

The Melita product is in his second season on theAmerican Collegiate Hockey Association Division II team based in North Dakota. He collected two assists though his first four games.

“Nic is pretty steady on the point for us,” head coach Travis Rybchinskisaid. “He has such a big reach and uses it to his advantage. He is a great teammate and one of our leaders.”

 

The REMP Renegades high school hockey team has players from Reston, Elkhorn, Melita and Pierson.

 

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