Jason Siedem Makes NCAA Commitment to University of New Hampshire

Photo credit to Xander Holcomb, Blackfalds Bulldogs.

Article: Aidan Serra

The Blackfalds Bulldogs are proud to announce the NCAA division 1 commitment of Jason Siedem. Siedem has signed to play NCAA hockey next season at the University of New Hampshire. Siedem, 20, is in his second AJHL season after scoring 43 points in 45 games as a rookie with the Bulldogs last season. The Madison, New Jersey native played his hockey in the United States until last year, initially signing at the beginning of the season with the BCHL’s Cowichan Valley Capitals and playing three games before his move to Blackfalds.

“Having the opportunity to play here has been really good for me and my game, and I’ve loved it so far,” said Siedem, when asked about his transition to playing hockey in Canada.

Blackfalds Bulldogs head coach Doug Quinn says that he’s been extremely impressed with Siedem’s resilience, battling through injuries in his minor hockey career to rise to the junior ‘A’ and eventually NCAA level.

“I had heard a little bit about his background…a kid who was really good when he was young but had a bunch of injuries and some health problems,” said Quinn. “When he first came… he was still recovering, still getting back in shape… by the end of last season, he was one of our top players. It’s been exciting to see him come back this year and just take off again. I’m really happy for him.”

Quinn continued to say that even with Siedem’s high level of play with the Bulldogs, his best might still be yet to come. “To me, he still has a lot of room to grow. He’s still getting his stamina and skating back to that level… he’s just going to get better. I’m excited to see what he does for the rest of this year and at the next level.

Siedem says he’s thrilled for the chance to both continue his hockey career and continue his education at UNH.

“I had talked to them in the spring and I was lucky enough to visit the campus over the summer. I was hoping this was going to happen and I’m really grateful for the opportunity. I was talking to some other schools… but UNH is a great place to play. I’m really happy it worked out.”

Siedem played most of last season and has played the majority of this season on a line with Bulldogs captain Brett Meerman. Meerman, who recently earned an NCAA commitment himself to Augustana University, says that he was thrilled to hear Siedem had earned an NCAA spot.

“It’s super exciting… I’m super happy for him, it’s well-deserved. He’s a really good player, does all the little things right. He’s a good guy off the ice too, it’s so good to see (the commitment).”

Blackfalds is currently sitting in third place in the AJHL’s south division.