The Sioux Falls Stampede announced today that defenseman and captain Chad Ruhwedel has committed to UMass-Lowell for the 2010-11 season. He becomes the ninth Stampede player to commit to a Division I program this season.

The San Diego, CA native is in his second year with the Stampede and currently has four points (1g, 3a) in nine games. His plus-8 rating leads the team and ranks third overall amongst USHL defenseman. Last season, Ruhwedel recorded 11 assists and was a plus-12 in 55 games for the Herd.

UMass-Lowell is located in Lowell, Massachusetts and has an enrollment of 6,000. Former Stampede forward and captain, Ben Holmstrom is a senior at Lowell and is serving this season as team captain. The River Hawks are members of the Hockey East Conference and 4-2-0 on the season. Last year, the River Hawks made their first trip to the NCAA tournament since 2001.

Ruhwedel and the Stampede return to action tomorrow night (Friday) when they host Tri-City at 7:05 PM. The Stampede are 6-1-2 on the season while the Storm are 7-1-1 and one point ahead of the Stampede for second place in the West Division. On Saturday, the Stampede will host the defending Clark Cup champion Indiana Ice at 7:05 PM.

Courtesy: Jim Olander, Sioux Falls Stampede