Alec McCrea, from El Cajon, has committed to play his NCAA Division I hockey at Cornell University.

McCrea, a former San Diego Jr. Gull who this season is playing for the United States Hockey League’s Waterloo Black Hawks, has put up seven points (one goal) over 26 games while also serving as captain of the team.

The defenseman recently scored his first goal of the season in the 6-4 loss to the Des Moines Buccaneers on Dec. 19.

It’s the third USHL season for McCrea, who has recorded 36 points (nine goals) and 92 penalty minutes over 135 games in a Black Hawks uniform.

The 19-year-old came to Waterloo after being selected by the team in Phase I of the 2011 USHL Draft.  He previously played in the North American Hockey League with the Janesville Jets prior to coming to the USHL.

“As a leader and a defenseman, Alec has been everything we’d have hoped for this season as a third-year player,” said Black Hawks head coach P.K. O’Handley.

“His style of play doesn’t lead to big statistics, but Black Hawks fans appreciate his steady presence on the ice.  The Cornell program is getting a very good hockey player and an excellent young man.”

McCrea was also part of the Black Hawks team that captured a silver medal at the 2012 Junior Club World Cup in Omsk, Russia.  It was the first time a USHL club had competed in the event.

Photo/Brandon Anderson

– USHL