Wichita Falls Warriors defenseman Drake Usher has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for the Air Force Academy (Atlantic Hockey), starting with the 2021-22 season.

Usher, 20, is in his fourth and final season of playing junior hockey and first in the NAHL. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound native of Upland has recorded a total of 10 points on a goal and nine assists in 18 games played during the 2020-21 season.

“Committing to the Air Force Academy is a great opportunity to play at the next level,” said Usher. “With such great players and coaches, I know they have an outstanding program on and off the ice. It will be a great honor to carry on the Air Force legacy.”

The connection to the Air Force Academy has run through Usher’s family. His grandfather Bob Zorick served in the United States Air Force and his cousin Michael Mayra played for the Falcons hockey program and graduated from the academy in 2009.

“Playing in Wichita Falls has been a wonderful life experience,” said Usher, who played youth hockey for the Anaheim Jr. Ducks, California Wave, Ontario Eagles, Anaheim/Riverside Wildcats and Damien High School. “The coaches here are really preparing everyone for the next level, they push us to become better and better each day.

“My teammates have also pushed me to strive for excellence. There is no time at the rink where we are slacking off and it really makes this team special. I can’t thank everyone enough at the Kay Yeager Coliseum for making this dream a reality.”

Usher is an NAPHL grad having played in the league during the 2017-18 season with the Wenatchee Wolves’ 18U team, appearing in 11 games and recording four points. He would later go onto play for the Wild’s team in the BCHL.

“Drake has been a huge addition to our group,” said Warriors head coach Garrett Roth. “His character and experience made an immediate impact in our locker room from the day he got here and his play on the ice speaks for itself with this commitment. As an organization and coaching staff, we couldn’t be more excited to see Drake have the honor to play for Air Force.”

Photo/Dwain Linden

(Feb. 25, 2021)