LSSU hockey gets verbal commitment from Ryan Baird

Success on the ice has led to a college scholarship for Ryan Baird. The standout defenceman with the Fort William North Stars has signed a letter of intent to attend Lake Superior State University starting in the fall of 2006. Arguably the best player in the Superior International Junior Hockey League this past season, Baird will play one more year in the SIJHL before heading to the Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., school. He also becomes the first player in league history to secure a Division 1 scholarship in the U.S. This past season, the 19-year-old blueliner topped all SIJHL rearguards in almost every offensive category earning league defenceman of the year laurels. He was also fourth in overall scoring, powering the North Stars to their second consecutive regular season and playoff championship. Baird also excelled at the Dudley-Hewitt Cup Ontario championship. He earned most valuable player honours as well as a berth on the tournament all-star team. The LSSU Lakers play in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association.