Rochester Hills, MI- Oakland ACHA DI Hockey general manager Corey Hagood is pleased to announce the signing of a trio of forwards to the 2022-23 ACHA DI recruiting class. Jacob Czaja, Andrew Morrison and Alexander Rekar have committed to the Golden Grizzlies.
Czaja comes to Oakland from Utica Eisenhower High School, where he scored 15 goals and 5 assists this past season.
“I chose Oakland because it’s close to home, and I’ve had many family members go here and graduate from here” Czaja stated.
Czaja is a speedy forward who is able to play center and right wing. “I am a very speedy player” Czaja said “(I like) going down the wing and taking defenseman out of position and (I’m a) very high IQ player, with good positioning in the defensive zone and offensive zone” Czaja added.
When discussing the history and tradition of the ACHA DI team at Oakland, Czaja said on committing; “It truly means a lot seeing how far this program has gone in recent years and how much the team bonds together and acts like a big family with a great brotherhood.”
He plans on studying Computer Science while at Oakland.
“Jacob is a skilled forward that can pick up points on a regular basis” Oakland head coach Sean Parker stated. “He is another local player that will fit in right away with the guys in the room and what we want to do here at OU.”
“I have been watching Jacob from his first game of the season this year and am really excited to see him at Oakland. Parker added.
Andrew Morrison comes to Oakland from Midland Dow, where scored three goals and added eight assists this past season. ” I chose to commit to Oakland to pursue my dreams of playing high level college hockey, and always feeling comfortable around the coaching staff and team.” Morrison stated.
Andrew will be a hardworking forward for the Golden Grizzlies. “I am a complete two-way player that will make my linemates better through my hard work and playmaking abilities.” Morrison added
When discussing his commitment Morrison said; “It means so much to me to be able to commit to a school and program with so much tradition and history of success. I’m very proud to be part of this history and hope to play a big role in continuing this success.”
He plans to study exercise science. while at Oakland.
“Andrew is a good skating center, who wins a lot of faceoffs” Parker stated.
“Watching him throughout the year, that (faceoffs) was something that really caught my attention. Parker added. I first saw him at a junior pre-draft showcase, he had some junior options but felt that Oakland fit him the best.
Rekar comes to Oakland comes to Oakland from Utica Eisenhower High School, where he scored 12 goals and 23 assists this past season.
“I decided to commit to Oakland, because I would like to further my academics at a great school, and play hockey for a great team.” Rekar stated.
Rekar will add a level of physicality to the Golden Grizzlies lineup. “I am a physical playmaker and hard work is to be expected at all times. He said.
When discussing his commitment Rekar said; “It is a great opportunity, and I am proud to be a part of the program”
He plans to study nursing. while at Oakland.
“Alex is another local kid that has been on our board all year” Parker stated.
“All-State Honorable Mention this past season. Definitely has the ability to fill the stat sheet” Parker added.
| Name | Position | Previous Team and League |
|---|---|---|
| Jacob Czaja | Forward | Utica Eisenhower (MHSAA) |
| Andrew Morrison | Forward | Midland Dow (MHSAA) |
| Alexander Rekar | Forward | Utica Eisenhower (MHSAA) |
| J.P. Weber | Forward | Decatur Blaze (USPHL Premier) |
| Jacob Zomick | Goalie | Finlandia University (ACHA) |
| Stefano Mini | Forward | Detroit Fighting Irish (USPHL Premier) |
| Griffin Hernalsteen | Defenseman | Finlandia University (NCAA DIII) |
