Former Rebel to Play in NAHL

For Trevor Heuser and his family, the decision didn't come easily.

After playing an impressive freshman year as a defensemen on the in 2011, Heuser decided to leave high school hockey and play for the New Jersey junior Titans based out of Howell.

In January, Heuser took another step towards following his hockey dream, signing a tender deal with the NAHL's Corpus Christi IceRays in Texas for the 2012-2013 season, becoming the youngest player in the league.

Heuser was 15 when he signed with the IceRays, but has sinced turned 16. In his first four games for Corpus Christi, Heuser maintained a plus-one rating with two penalty minutes.

"I see this as an amazing opportunity for my development in hockey and gaining exposure," Heuser said. "The two trips down I made to play for the IceRays gave me a lot of insight to what my experience would be like."

In his freshman campaign at Howell, Heuser finished fourth on the team in points -- and first among defensemen -- with 23 points on 9 goals and 14 assists.

After the season, he informed Howell head coach Bill Daley that he would no longer be playing at the high school level, and Daley, along with several other coaches, helped him make a decision about playing in the North American Hockey League (NAHL).

The league that Heuser will be joining is one of the tops for junior players in the country with 28 teams pitting best 16-to-20-year-old players against each other. It is also the only Junior A Tier II league sanctioned by USA Hockey. Several current NHL players have skated on the same ice that Heuser now plays on including New York Rangers forward Mike Rupp. 

"My parents have been involved in this decision right alongside me. We have talked to a lot of people that we trust and who know me personally. Of course, I have talked to a lot of coaches -- current and past -- to get their opinions. They know how I play and my goals, so their opinions were important to me," Heuser said.

With the decision, Heuser forefitted his ability to stay at home, and will be attending a school in Portland, Texas, and must maintain a 3.0 grade-point-average. Subsequently, he will also be staying with a family while in Texas.

Heuser's only trip back to New Jersey will be during a 10-day holiday break in December.

"The life experience will be amazing," Heuser said. "I will still have the support of my family, and I know I will miss them, but they will come see me as often as they can."

Heuser said his ultimate goal is to continue to play at a high level, and play division-one hockey when his age is right.

"I am so fortunate to have coaches who believe in my abilities and hopefully see a lot more potential in me," he said. "To play in the NAHL at 15 and 16 years old is truly a dream come true."

The IceRays recently signed two other New Jersey hockey players, whom Heuser said he knows well and plans to develop with. Goalie Anthony Stolarz, who played for Jackson Memorial two years ago, joined the team and was playing in December. Stolarz and Heuser will be staying with the same family in Texas.

Matt Weis also played for the IceRays until December 2011, where he was called up to the USHL, playing for the Green Bay Gamblers. Weis is from Beach Haven, NJ.

"I think this could be a major step for me and my goal to play division-one hockey, but I know the bulk of the responsibility will be on me and how much I continue to develop," Heuser said. "All of the opportunities are there for training, development, coaching, gameplay, and exposure."

To keep up with Heuser and the IceRays be sure to check out their website.