Rhino defenseman Zach Huggins will continue his hockey career at the collegiate level when he takes the ice for Finlandia University next season.

In 2015-16, Huggins started his career in the WSHL with the Fresno Monsters. After 19 games, he made his way to the Colorado Eagles where he played a total of 59 games throughout the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons. The Massachusetts defenseman finally ended his junior hockey career with the Rhinos in April. He arrived in El Paso at the trade deadline in February posted 5 assists and only two penalty minutes in 14 games.

Rhinos Assistant Coach Vinny Bohn describes Zach as a hard-working player. “Zach during, his time here, exemplified the meaning of being a good teammate. His hard work in practice and persistence to improve every single day is what's going to help him at the NCAA level. He is leaving Rhino Country with a standard of how future Rhino leaders should be on and off the ice.”

Located in Hancock, Michigan, Finlandia University is the only private university in the Upper Peninsula. The university’s NCAA Division III hockey team plays in the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association. Despite the Lions’ winless 2016-17 season, Huggins hopes to add experience and determination to Finlandia’s defense.

The Rhinos organization wishes Zach the best of luck in Michigan!