WILLISTON, N.D. - In his first two years of collegiate hockey, Darius Cole led the Williston State College (WSC) Tetons to two National Championships (2013 & 2014). Now, after completing his final two years with Northland College (Ashland, WI), Cole will begin his professional career in the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) with the Louisiana Ice Gators.
In his two years at WSC, teammates, classmates, and faculty remember Cole for his positive attitude, work ethic, and leadership qualities.
"Darius always had a smile his face and never complained about anything," Matt Peterson, WSC Associate Professor and Cole's Advisor, remembers. "His peers knew they could count on him during tough times. I am very pleased to see that Darius has made good use of the opportunity here at WSC to help him achieve his goals."
2013 & 2014, the years Cole spent at WSC, mark the only National Championships Williston State College has won. The Tetons returned to the NJCAA National Hockey Tournament in 2015 but fell to Erie Community College in the third period of the National Championship game.
WSC will be out to avenge that defeat when they face Erie this Saturday, February 27 at 3:05 EST as they return to Nationals in Binghamton, New York for the 2016 NJCAA National Hockey Tournament.
"On behalf of everyone at the college, we are proud of everything Cole has accomplished. His work ethic defines what it means to be a Teton. I know our current team looks up to him," Dan Artamenko, WSC Athletic Director, stated. "Hopefully, they can bring that same passion and energy this weekend to bring home the 3rd National Championship in WSC history."
NJCAA has ranked both the Tetons and Erie as the top two teams all year. The game will be streamed by SUNY Broome and can be picked up at www.wsctetons.com.
For more information about Teton Hockey, contact John Bowkus at john.bowkus@willistonstate.edu
For any information regarding WSC, please visit www.willistonstate.edu, call 1.888.863.9455, or stop by 1410 University Avenue, Williston, ND.