Christian Rapp of the Quesnel River Rush has committed to play collegiate hockey for the Northwood University Timberwolves in the American Collegiate Hockey Association this fall.
Rapp said getting this opportunity is big. Getting his degree is important and he was welcomed at Northwood University, whose roster features players he knows.
“I have heard good things about Northwood University and it gets you excited,” said Rapp.
Rapp, 20, played 24 games for the River Rush and registered four points and played in three Kootenay International Junior Hockey League Teck Cup playoff games. The Dexter, Mich., native joined the River Rush in early November from the Ironwood Lumberjacks in the Superior International Junior Hockey League.
“The KIJHL was huge for my development,” said Rapp. “I’ve been around and played on a lot of different teams. Once I got to Quesnel, it felt like home. The organization is run professionally. They way their management runs the organization, all the way down to the coaching staff, it’s special. It gives you as a player a new confidence that you may not have had.”
The important development aspect for Rapp was being a leader – “being able to talk and make those relationships on and off the ice. For the younger teammates on the team and two – all the kids in the community that you are constantly talking with.”
River Rush head coach-GM Jeremy LeBlanc said the Timberwolves are getting a good forechecker.
“The guy can move his feet. I really liked him,” said LeBlanc. “Even in a short period of time, I really saw him develop and be more confident with the puck. He was moving his feet, getting to the puck quickly and looking to make a play right away. He is always going to have a good attitude. Christian is a really good kid, who comes to work everyday. I’m really happy that he got to move on.”
Rapp began his junior hockey career in 2023-24 playing in the Pacific Junior Hockey League, Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League and SIJHL. In 42 combined games, the 6-6, 185-pound forward had nine goals and 19 points.
Rapp joins a Timberwolves program that won the Great Lakes Collegiate Hockey League Championship last season. Northwood University is based in Midland, Mich.
