Leamington’s MacPherson Brothers Commit to the University of New Hampshire

Connor and Ryan MacPherson have officially signed on the dotted line and committed to playing NCAA Division 1 hockey at the University of New Hampshire. The Flyers forwards signed their National […]

Leamington’s MacPherson Brothers Commit to the University of New Hampshire

Connor and Ryan MacPherson have officially signed on the dotted line and committed to playing NCAA Division 1 hockey at the University of New Hampshire. The Flyers forwards signed their National Letters of Intent  at the Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre.

The pair are looking forward to continuing their hockey career together at the next level. “Ever since we started playing hockey we have always been on same team,” says Connor. “And pretty much on the same line too,” adds Ryan. “Playing together isn’t only special for us, its special for our family since they have been able to watch us grow up and play on the ice together,” he adds.

The twins are grateful for the opportunity to play top-notch hockey in the GOJHL and with the Leamington Flyers. “Last year we were just grateful to make the team as 16-year-olds because there were only two cards available. We didn’t know what to expect, playing against guys who were a couple years older really helped us develop. We are honoured to have a great coaching staff and (head coach) Dale Mitchell,” says Connor. He adds this season he believes he and his brother have not only become better hockey players, but better people off the ice.

The quality of play at the NCAA Division 1 level is extremely high, something not lost on the twins. Ryan says they are ready to put in the necessary work in to succeed. Connor adds they chose New Hampshire after visiting the campus and being awestruck. “We didn’t know what to expect when we went on our first visit in February, and we were both blown away. Our expectations weren’t very high and were definitely exceeded. Just watching a game, what its actually like with the crowd and the atmosphere, we knew that’s where we wanted to play,” says Connor.

As for their goals for this season, Connor says top spot in the league’s Western division is in their sights. “I think that’s within reach. We are tied for second right now, but I hope we can catch London eventually.” Ryan adds his number one goal is to win a championship. “Last season we lost in the conference final and all the guys had the goal in mind to improve on that. Personally, I want to continue to grow as a player. There are obviously things I need to work on,”

The brothers haven’t decided what they will major in at school yet, but they are leaning towards a human kinetics program. “We are both taking kinesiology in grade 12 now and both find it fascinating, so I think that’s what we’ll do,” says Connor.

Connor and Ryan have become the third and fourth Flyers players to commit to an NCAA Division 1 University in the last three years. They join Zack Borgiel and Adam Jeffery.