For the first time since 1998, a native Huntsvillian will take the ice for the Chargers in 2001 as Jared Ross, has signed a national letter-of-intent with the University of Alabama in Huntsville as announced Monday by coach Doug Ross, who also happens to be Jared's father.
"Jared has demonstrated he has the ability to play Division I hockey," noted Coach Ross. "His playmaking and scoring ability will contribute to the team's offense and he is ready to establish himself at the next level."
Ross, a 5-9, 165-pound center, was named Mr. Michigan for 2001 as the top player in the state after leading his Catholic Central High School squad to its third consecutive state title and an undefeated (27-0-3) season in Michigan's largest classification.
"Jared was probably the most recruited high school player in Michigan," noted assistant coach Lance West. "He has great speed and really good hands but he has to step up to the challenge of playing in front of his hometown fans and the physical play of the top collegiate level."
Netting 30 goals and notching 37 assists in 30 games during his senior campaign, Ross received numerous awards during his senior season including being named to the all-state Dream Team by the Michigan High School Hockey Coaches Association as well as receiving co-MVP honors for the Michigan Interscholastic Hockey League. While a member of the Team Michigan all-stars, which finished in second place in the Chicago Showcase national tournament, Ross nabbed the Michael Schwass award as the best forward and finished second in scoring.
