July 31, 2009
NEWBURYPORT -- He's just a 17-year-old soon-to-be junior, but Newburyport's Billy Eiserman is on the fast track to making a name for himself in the world of hockey.
And the summer of 2009 is one he will never forget.
A leading defender on Newburyport's Division II state title team from last season, Eiserman, along with his younger brother, Chris Eiserman, will be setting sail from the Clipper hockey program to play on the Hooksett, N.H., based Junior Monarchs of the Eastern Junior Hockey League -- a team of talented players who are routinely recruited by both elite colleges and NHL teams.
Despite his new squad and the possibilities that such a fraternization can bring, Billy Eiserman has already made a verbal commitment to the University of Massachusetts Lowell.
With promises of a full scholarship, Eiserman is sitting pretty.
UMass Lowell has always been his No.1.
"Since I was little, I always wanted to play Hockey East," said Eiserman, whose father, Bill, played there for a season before breaking his leg. "I went for a tour, and they offered me that day, and I'm 100 percent for it.
"I always liked UMass Lowell because of my dad, but that wasn't what sold me," said Eiserman of playing for the nation's premier hockey conference and for the River Hawks. "I just love the campus, the school, the hockey locker room; the coaches are unbelievable, and it's Hockey East."
Even with prestigious schools like Princeton University and Yale University barking at his door, Eiserman's mind appears content and resolute, and his brother, Chris Eiserman, believes he is making the right choice.
"I think he's making a great decision," Chris Eiserman said. "I actually went on the tour with him, and they have a beautiful rink, a beautiful school, the team is very talented -- they just lost to Boston University in Hockey East -- but the way he plays, they need him. He's physical; he moves the puck well and sees the ice well; he plays like one of the defenseman that's already there."
College remains two full school years away, but the near future for Billy Eiserman roars with the excited din of promise.
At a recent tryout in Rochester, N.Y., Eiserman successfully nabbed one of 16 Team USA under-18 spots for the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament (aka the U-18 Junior World Cup) held in the Czech Republic -- a two-bracket tourney and an NHL scout fairground that will feature skill-strewn squads from countries like Russia, Finland, Canada, Sweden and Slovakia.
A 10-day journey that will feature the world's brightest hockey players, Eiserman will fly out to Washington, D.C., on Aug. 3 with his father; his uncle, Bobby Eiserman; and three other Massachusetts players.
After the team sneaks in a practice session and competes in a pair of exhibition games, Team USA will have the an opportunity to perform their own 'Miracle' -- as they clash with Team Russia in their initial tourney match.
Games will be held every day there after until opposed brackets have concluded rankings, in which said brackets will face off against their identical standing.
Eiserman is elated to be traveling abroad but is also eager to test his skills and American hockey prowess against European hockey finesse.
"This will be the first time I've ever played against European players," Eiserman said. "There are different styles of play around the world, and the Europeans definitely have their own style that is much different from what we compete against here.
"They play with more finesse with less hitting and by moving the puck fast," Eiserman said. "Europeans don't like how we play physical, so I'm just going to play my style, and I'll be fine."
Chris aims at making the team next year, and believes that his brother will make for a rude awakening for any sluggish or unsuspecting Euro-skaters.
"I don't think they're going to see him coming -- he's a total wrecking ball," Chris said. "He's a great defenseman who protects his guys and is just an intimidator; but he also has a hard shot from the point, and he's just a very good skater."
