TROY, N.Y. – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) head men's hockey coach Seth Appert has announced the team's Class of 2016. The group of nine student-athletes includes five forwards, three defensemen and a goaltender. Four are from the United States, four hail from Canada and one is from Slovakia.

“We are excited the addition of these nine young men and their families to the RPI Hockey Family,” Appert said. “Bryan Vines and Nolan Graham worked hard to put together a deep and talented class that will enhance our program in many areas. Seven from the incoming group were captains, four have international hockey experience and one is an NHL draft pick.”

Below is the list of Rensselaer's recruits with their 2011-12 regular season statistics, 2011-12 playoff statistics (where applicable and available) and a quote from Appert:

FORWARDS:

Milos Bubela (6-2, 190) from Banska Bystrica, Slovakia/Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL)
• 29 regular season games … 5 goals and 13 assists for 18 points … 6 penalty minutes.
• 5 playoff games … 0 goals and 2 assists for 2 points … 6 penalty minutes
“Milos is a highly skilled forward with good size to compliment his game. He was one of the top scorers on the Slovakian World Junior team before he joined Dubuque.”

Andrew Commers (5-10, 180) from Edina, MN/St. Thomas Academy (USHS)
• 31 regular season games … 23 goals and 23 assists for 46 points.
“Andrew is a highly competitive forward who is a leader and a winner. He was a two-time state champion at STA including as a captain this past year. As a junior he teamed with current Engineers forward Zach Schroeder to help the school capture the title.”

Travis Fulton (5-10, 165) from Oakville, ON/Vaughan Vipers (OJHL)
• 45 regular season games … 24 goals and 38 assists for 62 points … 43 penalty minutes.
• 7 playoff games … 2 goals and 4 assists for 6 points … 10 penalty minutes.
“Travis is a high energy competitive forward who also produces offense. He led the Vipers in goals, assists and points and will fit well with the way we play. He was an assistant captain this year.”

Mark Miller (5-11, 185) from Massena, NY/Omaha Lancers (USHL)
• 57 regular season games … 11 goals and 9 assists for 20 points … 43 penalty minutes.
• 4 playoff games … 0 goals and 1 assist for 1 point … 4 penalty minutes.
“Mark is a highly competitive forward and a leader who was captain for Omaha this past year. The way he plays is a great fit for our style.”

Mike Zalewski (6-2, 200) from New Hartford, NY/Vernon Vipers (BCHL)
• 60 regular season games … 38 goals and 37 assists for 75 points … 83 penalty minutes.
“Mike is a skilled power forward who has the size and talent to be a strong two-way player for our program. He was an assistant captain for Vernon, which he led in goals, assists and points.”

DEFENSEMEN:

Craig Bokenfohr (6-3, 195) from Spruce Grove, AB/Camrose Kodiaks (AJHL)
• 60 regular season games … 8 goals and 22 assists for 30 points … 114 penalty minutes.
• 4 playoff games … 0 goals and 2 assists for 2 points … 19 penalty minutes.
“Craig is a strong defender and captain of one of the best junior programs in Western Canada. He has the talent to become a top two-way defenseman for our program.”

Chris Bradley (6-2, 190) from Williamsville, NY/Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)
• 54 regular season games … 7 goals and 14 assists for 21 points … 10 penalty minutes.
• 6 playoff games … 0 goals and 3 assists for 3 points … 0 penalty minutes
“Chris was one of the best two-way defenseman in the USHL this past season. He can run a power play but also shut down the top players on the other team. He was also an assistant captain for Youngstown.”

Phil Hampton (5-11, 185) from Oakville, ON/Oakville Blades (OJHL)
• 40 regular season games … 6 goals and 12 assists for 18 points … 10 penalty minutes.
• 10 playoff games … 1 goal and 3 assists for 4 points … 2 penalty minutes.
“Phil is a skilled, puck-moving defenseman who was a captain for two premier programs in Canada, the Oakville Blades and Team Canada East.” 

GOALTENDER:

Jason Kasdorf (6-3, 190) from Winnipeg, MB/Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL)
• 35 regular season games … 10-16-3 … 2.75 GAA … .913 SV PCT.
“Jason is a talented and big goalie with a strong junior pedigree. He is a draft pick of the Winnipeg Jets who took his former junior team, the Portage Terriers, to the Canadian National Championships.”