The SJHL’s Rookie of the Year will be off to the collegiate ranks for the 2019-2020 season.

Cade Kowalski, via Twitter, announced Thursday morning he has committed to Ferris State University. The NCAA Division I school plays in the WCHA.

Extremely excited to announce my commitment to play Division 1 hockey at @FerrisHockey ! Huge thank you to my close family and friends for always supporting me as well as a huge thank you to @zone4hockey @PVHawksHockey @weyburnredwings @mnhockeycamps ! #KPTW pic.twitter.com/XkIAoPhcun

“They’re an awesome hockey team, and an awesome school,” Kowalski said. “I went down there a couple days ago, got to visit, and it was amazing. I was absolutely blown away.”

Getting ready for his second season wearing the Winged Wheel, Kowalski said his experiences in Weyburn helped him make the decision to commit to Ferris State.

“The one thing I actually said to my dad on my visit to Ferris was that it actually felt like Weyburn, so it’s easier to transition over there.”

Kowalski led the Weyburn Red Wings in points last season, with 11 goals and 49 assists for 60 points. He was one of just three players to skate in all 58 regular season games. Kowalski also added five points in seven playoff games.

The 19-year-old forward from Morden, Manitoba also played in the SJHL/MJHL Showcase last season, one of seven Red Wings selected for the six-game event in Regina.