Odessa, TX – The Odessa Jackalopes of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are proud to announce that defenseman, Rowan Savidant, has committed to playing college hockey for the University of Wisconsin – River Falls Falcons, beginning in the 2017-2018 season. UW-River Falls is a Division III hockey program, and members of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

“River Falls is a great fit for me both as a hockey player and a student,” Savidant said. “I get to be a part of a winning hockey tradition, as well as earning a great degree. I believe River Falls has all the tools to help me achieve my goal of playing professional hockey.”

Savidant, 20, played his first three seasons of junior hockey in the Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL), splitting time between the Carleton Place Canadians, Kanata Lasers, and Nepean Riders. Rowan found himself in Odessa for the duration of the entire 2016-17 season, accumulating nine points (4-5-9) in 54 games.

The 6-foot, 195-pound defenseman wasn’t limited to just playing the blue line throughout the course of the season. Savidant played a handful of games up front on days where head coach, Greg Gatto, needed a little more physicality. Rowan tried to compare his game to Tom Wilson of the Washington Capitals, where he would play as physical as possible to help set the tone of the game. Savidant “do what it takes” attitude stretched beyond what he showed on the ice.

“Rowan was a leader in the locker room,” states Gatto. “He was a loud presence no matter where he was. A very reliable player that you can throw into any role you may need. You can’t teach that kind of versatility”.

UW-River Falls finished the season ranked 3rd of 5 teams in the WIAC, falling to UW-Eau Claire in two games in the WIAC tournament.

The 2017-2018 Odessa Jackalopes season tickets are on sale now! To reserve your seats, contact the Jackalopes’ ticket office today at 432-552-7825 or log on to www.jackalopes.org for more information.