Lakers get defenseman Kitzmiller

Alpena IceDiggers defenseman Ben Kitzmiller has been offered a scholarship to Lake Superior State University for the upcoming season.

The Lambertville native was planning on returning to the IceDiggers for his third season, but early last week was contacted by the staff at LSSU and offered a spot.

"They contacted us and needed a guy to come in and play right away," Alpena coach-GM Kenny Miller said. "Ben is more than ready to play and we couldn't be happier for him and his family."

Kitzmiller helped guide the IceDiggers to the NAHL playoffs last year in posting 13 goals and adding 19 assists for 32 points in 59 games.

The right shot defenseman becomes the sixth player from last year's team to move onto the Division I level joining Todd Rudasill (Ohio State), Drew Pierson (Army), Eric Roman (Wayne State), Shawn Hunwick (Michigan) and Chad Billins (Ferris State '08-09).

Murovich and Bemis spurn Broncos

Western Michigan recruit Tyler Murovich has decided not to play college hockey and will instead play for the Saginaw Spirit of the OHL, according to Paul Shaheen's Research on Ice newsletter.

Murovich was a top prospect for the Broncos out of the Pittsburgh area who played for the Chicago Steel last season. He joins Josh Bemis as the second Western Michigan recruit to jump to the OHL this summer.

Bemis signed with the Plymouth Whalers earlier this month.

Murovich was a free agent and never drafted by an OHL team. He's a 1989 birthdate.