Amarillo, Tx– The Amarillo Wranglers are pleased to announce that Anthony Vidrick has committed to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls to continue his education and playing career.
The 21-year-old forward is the latest member of the Wranglers to make a college commitment. After sustaining a season-ending injury, Vidrick returned to Amarillo as a volunteer assistant coach.
“It really helped my mental state, and just to keep me around the game so I can grow and learn still even though I wasn’t playing helped me a lot,” Anthony Vidrick said.
The strong connection with the game of hockey and his teammates motivated Anthony to make the most of his situation in Amarillo following the injury.
“I didn’t want just to come home and be all alone and recover when I could recover with my team and help out and learn the coaching side of hockey from two unbelievable and passionate coaches,” Vidrick said.
Vidrick saw first-hand the coaching process and learned the goals Head Coach Harry Mahood, and Assistant Coach Cody Gylling had set in establishing a winning culture for a first-year program.
“They don’t just want to win, but they want each individual to grow and learn,” Vidrick said. “They will tell you the answer, but they will be hard on you because they want to see you succeed,” Anthony added.
Vidrick’s journey started as an undrafted free agent who got a second chance at the Wranglers’ training camp, where he utilized a program to help him get in shape and earn a roster spot.
“If there is one thing I can say is to do that bike program because it put me in shape and helped me win a spot on the team,” Vidrick said.
Anthony quickly impacted the first-year Wranglers with 17 points in 18 games before suffering the season-ending injury in El Paso. Vidrick has recovered from the injury and has spent the summer working on getting back into proper shape.
“Everything is going in the right direction… I am doing physical therapy once a week but working out now, lifting with my trainer three times a week. I don’t have any pain, and my injury is not restricting me from doing some stuff still,” Vidrick explained.
After spending his last junior season in Amarillo, the Ohio native is heading to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, which is close to Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN. The Falcons are members of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Conference and are three-time NCAA champions.
“I’m honestly excited about everything that the school has to offer. The hockey program is unbelievable, and I’m honored to be able to play for them this upcoming school year,” Vidrick said. “The coaches are friendly and reach out to me all the time to check in and see how I’m doing,” Vidrick added.
After being signed as an undrafted free agent to dealing with a devastating back injury, Anthony Vidrick reflects on his time in Amarillo and wants to share what he learned after a trying year.
“Amarillo is an amazing place… my billets and all the billets were amazing. It’s honestly a great place to play hockey and even to live,” Anthony said. ” Always do the right things, and it will lead to a lot of success and get you places in life.”