By Matt Stefano
He just completed his second season with the Soo Thunderbirds, but he will now be heading to university this fall.
The Soo Thunderbirds hockey club has announced today that forward Will Josephson has committed to play for the University of Arizona Wildcats hockey club for the 2021-2022 season.
“We’re very happy for Will and his signing with Arizona State. Will worked very hard over the last couple years and we all wish him luck attending school and playing for the Wildcats,” said Thunderbirds general manager Trev Zachary.
The University of Arizona is located in Tucson, Arizona, which is only 1 hour and 40 minutes away from Josephson’s hometown of Phoenix.
“I chose the University of Arizona because it is a great college town and they love their sports teams,” said Josephson. “The hockey team is on the rise and will be a top contender in the nation. Coach Chad Berman has created a winning atmosphere in Tucson and the U of A is also a great school. And starting this fall I will be taking the business program over there.”
“The hockey program is great at the U of A. They
play at the AHL’s Tucson Roadrunners rink and have a great fanbase which makes for a great college atmosphere. They are back to back WCHL champions and are looking to make a run at a national championship. Being part of a true contender will be a great experience,” added Josephson.
In two seasons with the Soo Thunderbirds from 2018-2020, the Phoenix, Arizona native had 7 goals and 25 assists in 64 games played.
“Moving from Arizona to the Soo two years ago, I had no idea what to expect. I can truly say the two years I spent in the Soo were some of the best years of my life. The people in the Soo are something special and I made relationships that will last forever. The Thunderbirds are a great organization that provided the best junior hockey experience anyone could ever ask for. I learned so much about the game of hockey and life in general and the Soo will always have a special place in my heart,” said Josephson.
Following his rookie season in 2019-2020, Josephson shared the team’s Ted Brooks Memorial Award with his teammate Kurtis Rogers for Player Excellence In The Community.
Josephson, who helped out with many community events during the 2019-2020 season, also lived with Kurtis Rogers and his family during his time here in Sault Ste. Marie.
“Winning the Brooks Award alongside Kurtis was a great feeling for both of us. The Rogers family was the best billet family anyone could ever ask for and they really made me feel at home. None of that would’ve been possible if it wasn’t for them,” said Josephson.
(Photo of Thunderbirds forward Will Josephson credit to Bob Davies)