Bobcat Blueliner Timba Commits to AIC
SPRINGFIELD, MA — The Bismarck Bobcats are proud to announce that veteran defenseman Julian Timba has committed to play Division I hockey at American International College starting the fall of 2018.
“It feels amazing to make my commitment to AIC; it’s been a dream of mine to play Division I hockey since I was young,” stated Timba, the Bobcats’ fourth-leading scorer on the young 2018-19 campaign. “Being committed won’t change my mindset, though, because I still just want to work as hard as I can to try and win this franchise and this city a Robertson Cup.”
Joining the Bobcats in August 2018, the San Diego, Calif., native has a goal and 10 assists in 12 appearances so far this season. Before coming to Bismarck, Timba played two seasons with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, putting up two goals to go with 16 assists in 58 games played.
“Julian has been a huge addition for us on the back end: he’s brought a veteran presence back there to a young group,” lauded Bobcats head coach and general manager Layne Sedevie. “His skating ability and his vision are elite and that will make him a great college hockey player in Springfield.”
American International is led by 1997 graduate Eric Lang, who is in his third year behind the bench at his alma mater. Three Bobcat alumni currently play for the Yellow Jackets—Jared Pike (2014-16), Patrik Demel (2015-16) and Tobias Fladeby (2015-17)—and current Bobcat forward Adam Stacho is committed to play there, as well.
Discussions with Lang and his staff helped cement Timba’s decision.
“I picked AIC because after talking to the coaching staff there it sounded like an amazing program and a great fit for me personally and as a player,” explained the third-year veteran.
Timba is also a product of the NAHL ladder of development; the 1998 birthyear played for the NAPHL’s Anaheim Jr. Ducks 16U program during the 2014-15 season.
“From Julian’s start in AAA hockey with the Jr. Ducks to the exposure at the NAHL Showcase that put him on AIC’s radar, the NAHL ladder has helped him every step of the way,” added Sedevie.
With his commitment, Timba becomes the eighth current Bobcat to commit to a Division I program, joining: Jacob Marti (Air Force), Mitch Walinski (Air Force), Stacho (AIC), John Roberts (Northern Michigan), Kirklan Irey (Bemidji State), George Grannis (Clarkson) and Christian Brune (Merrimack).
On the ice, the Bobcats open a road weekend at Odde Ice Center against the Aberdeen Wings on Friday at 7:15pm.
Live coverage starts at 6:45pm for Friday’s road tilt on Super Talk 1270 AM, the radio home of Bobcat Hockey, and at HockeyTV.com, the official web television partner of the NAHL.
Pro-rated season tickets for the 2018-19 campaign are still available; lock in your seats for the remaining home schedule today: sign up at BismarckBobcats.com/seasontickets or call 222-3300 for more information!