News

Date: Jan 27, 2012

Former QC Goalie To Play For U.S. Naval Academy

The Quad City Jr. Flames are pleased to announce that former goaltender Matt Truninger has been selected for admission to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland for the 2012-2013 school year. The Midshipmen compete at the ACHA Division I level in the Eastern Collegiate Hockey Association.

In two seasons with the Jr. Flames (2009-11), the 20-year-old Clinton, Iowa native appeared in 12 games with a record of 3-4-0-0, a 3.07 goals against average and an .894 save percentage. Now, the 2009 Northeast Middle-High School grad is looking forward to another chapter in his life.

"It's an excellent opportunity to keep playing while receiving a very prestigious education," Truninger said. "I went out there last weekend and watched them. They've got a really good organization."

The 5-foot, 10-inch, 170-pound netminder is one of several Iowans who were nominated for appointments this year.

"I was fortunate enough to get all three congressional nominations--one from each senator (Charles Grassley and Tom Harkin) and Congressman Bruce Braley who all personally congratulated me over the phone."

Senator Grassley issued this statement on his website last week: “Admission to the service academies is highly competitive and a great honor. Young people like Matt Truninger work very hard to earn this kind of opportunity, and I join many others, no doubt, in wishing [him] well and expressing appreciation for [his] commitment to serving our nation.”

Jr. Flames Head Coach Tom McDermott knows Truninger is very deserving of such a fantastic opportunity.

"The organization is very proud and happy for 'Matty.' It's nice to see a kid who works so hard get what he deserves. He went up and skated with them and did very well so hopefully he can step in next year and fight for the starting position. He's a very focused, determined young man and we know he'll do very well there."

For now, Truninger plans to cheer on his former team.

"I'll probably stick around here 'til the end of the season, just help the team out and push everybody a little bit more--sort of a senior leadership opportunity. It's a way for me to give back to the team." 

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