February 22, 2010
Scottsdale's Ferber commits to Robert Morris
Eric Ferber has committed to Division I Robert Morris. (Courtesy Eric Ferber)
Eric Ferber is continuing a recent trend while also blazing a trail.
The Scottsdale native, who recently committed to Robert Morris, is set to become only the third Arizona-born goalie to play Division I college hockey – yet all three instances have happened in the past four years.
“It really has become more of a common thing lately to see Arizona goalies in Division I,” Ferber said last week. “With quality goalie coaches in the state like Jeff Tecca and Sean Gauthier, there is no question there will be many more D-I goalies in the future.”
Ferber follows Scottsdale’s Matt Federico (Western Michigan), who was the first Arizona-born goalie to play Division I hockey, and Gilbert’s Matt Grogan (Connecticut).
He grew up playing for the Phoenix Firebirds, where head coach Kenny Moffatt, “really instilled a sense of ‘putting Arizona hockey on the map,’ and I think we accomplished that,” Ferber said.
Later, Ferber moved on to playing for the P.F. Chang’s AAA program.
“Playing in AAA tournaments all over the country was something I will never forget,” Ferber said. “Being the first team from Arizona to make Nationals in AAA was definitely one of the highlights of my youth hockey career.
“Arizona hockey really changed since I first began playing hockey,” Ferber added. “You can see it with guys committing to Division I programs and others playing juniors that are definitely going to play Division I.”
Ferber moved on to the EJHL when he was 16, and played for the Baystate Breakers for two seasons. This season, he’s playing for the Bridgewater Bandits, where he’s 9-15-1 with a .892 save percentage and a 4.54 GAA.
His recruitment, while stressful – “Especially playing juniors, its a lot to think about, but also a lot to strive for,” Ferber said – landed him at Robert Morris.
“I had been hearing from a couple other schools in Atlantic Hockey, and also the CCHA and Hockey East,” Ferber said, “but ultimately Robert Morris offered me an opportunity to play for an up and coming program – something I couldn't pass up.
“Robert Morris really has everything I could ever ask for in a school: A quality education mixed with a great Division I hockey program,” he added. “I know a couple guys on the team and they had nothing but great things to say about the program and coach (Derek Schooley).
“I had been speaking with Robert Morris for well over a year before I committed and I knew it was where I wanted to be, as I felt very comfortable with the coaching staff and the education I will receive.”
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