Recruiting: Former Brighton captain Colin Bilek commits to Army

By @MichaelCaples –

From Brighton to West Point.

Former Brighton High School hockey captain Colin Bilek has committed to the Army Division I hockey program for the 2018-19 season.

“I chose Army because of the great coaching staff and incredible history of the school,” Bilek told MiHockey. “It was an easy choice for me after I got on campus and saw how high of standards everything is held too! I am extremely thankful for the opportunity and can’t wait to start school next year.”

The 20-year-old forward currently wears the ‘C’ for his Northeast Generals of the NAHL – he’s a two-year captain for the squad.

“Colin epitomizes everything we do and expect of our players on and off the ice as a member of the Northeast Generals,” said Generals Head Coach Joe Lovell said in a release. “He is an amazing young man that has worked harder than everyone else to realize his dream of playing NCAA Division I college hockey.”

Bilek currently leads the NAHL in scoring with 10 goals and 14 assists for 24 points in 20 games; last year, he finished with 40 points in 60 games.

“When I first recruited Colin two years ago I knew he would be our captain the first time I spoke with him,” said Northeast Generals General Manager Bryan Erikson. “He is just that type of kid. Out works everyone, a true leader on and off the ice. He wore the ‘C’ as an underage player and I don’t think anyone that met him ever questioned that decision. This year, he has helped transform our team into one with a winning culture. To have gone through what he did last year with four wins into having us in a good position with 14 wins in our first 20 games is amazing. It is a real testament to what he demands of himself and his teammates and that is nothing less than 100 percent every time they touch the ice.”