Capistrano Beach native and San Diego Jr. Gulls alum Evan Plotnik has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for American International College.

Currently with the Melfort Mustangs of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, Plotnik will suit up for the Atlantic Hockey school based in Springfield, Mass., this coming fall.

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“Melfort has offered me the best three years of my life,” said Plotnik. “I really can’t describe how many opportunities it’s led me, and how many experiences I never would have gotten playing somewhere else. It’s an awesome, tight-knit community and I love how great the community support is here. I’ll never be able to express how much Melfort means to me in words and I wish I could give back to the community as much as they’ve given to me.”

Plotnik has played 88 career games with the Mustangs. In 27 games this season, he owns a 18-5-3-1 record. He is second among SJHL goaltenders with a .927 save percentage and has the third-best goals-against average at 2.13.

“It has been a pleasure to coach Evan for the past three seasons,” said Melfort head coach Trevor Belvins. “In his rookie season, Evan backstopped our club to the league final. We are proud of his commitment to AIC. Not only are they getting a quality hockey player, but also a quality individual.”

(Jan. 20, 2018)