Eleven games into the 2018-2019 season, the Topeka Pilots are proud to announce their first college commitment.
Forward Assistant Captain Dallas Tulik, a native of Kalamazoo, Mi., has announced his commitment to Ferris State University. The Bulldogs are Division I members of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) and play their home matches in Big Rapids, Mi which is just 100 miles from his home.
“I’ve always wanted to play Division I college hockey and after visiting their campus and meeting with the coaches it seemed like a good fit for me. I liked everything about the school and hockey program and I’ve heard nothing but good things from friends and former teammates that go there,” Dallas Tulik said.
Tulik has started the season strong for the Pilots, leading the team with 12 points and is tied for the NAHL lead in goals with seven.
“This is an exciting event for Dallas and his family, with all of the hard work and effort he’s put in so far,” Pilots head coach Simon Watson said. “This is a testament to his work ethic and his character.”
This is Tulik’s second year in Topeka, playing last season with the RoadRunners. Tulik amassed 13 goals and 12 assists in 44 games and is on pace to surpass that this season.
Also participating in last season’s NAHL Top Prospects Tournament, Tulik tallied a goal and an assist in two games during the showcase.
“He’s been turning a lot of heads with his play at last season’s showcase and with the start of this season,” Watson said. “Not only is his offense improving, but he’s showing what he can do with his defense and his attention to detail in his game.”
Several Topeka hockey alumni currently play for Ferris State University, including defenseman Justin Smith and forward Dominic Lutz. Pilots assistant coach Justin DeMartino also played collegiate hockey with the Bulldogs.
“Justin has been a huge advocate of Dallas, having coached him the last two seasons, and I know he’s excited this has come together this way,” Watson said.
With much of the NAHL season still to play, Watson has big hopes for Tulik to continue to grow and raise his game before next season.
“We’re hoping he can continue to elevate his game through the rest of the season,” Watson said. “We know he’s prepared and will be ready for the challenge.”
Tulik also has high hopes for the rest of this season to prepare him for next.
“My goals for the rest of the season are to finish as the top team in the south division and win the Robertson cup and continue to work on small areas of my game that I need to improve on,” Tulik said. “I’m very excited to get the chance to play college hockey in my home state and to be able to play hockey for 4 more years.”
