2007-2008 Viking Hockey: Striding Toward Excellence

Peterson signs with IHL's Flint Generals

by Joe Vanden Acker
April 15, 2008

APPLETON, Wis. -- Josh Peterson is taking his game up a level.

The standout Lawrence University senior defenseman signed a contract with the Flint Generals of the International Hockey League on Tuesday.

"I’ve been thinking about doing this since the end of the season," said Peterson, the first Lawrence player to play professionally. "I wasn’t ready to be done, and I wanted to play at the next level."

Lawrence head coach Mike Szkodzinski was helping Peterson fulfill his dream of playing in the pro ranks when he saw what might be an opportunity with the Generals.

"I had noticed that they had a couple of d-men injured toward the end of the year," Szkodzinski said. "I gave coach (Peter) South a call last Friday night and spoke with him on Saturday."

Things moved quickly from there, as Flint completed its regular season this past weekend. Flint finished third in the regular season standings of the IHL, which Szkodzinski compared to baseball at the AA level.

A native of Duluth, Minn., Peterson said he got a call from Szkodzinski on Monday morning and was told the Generals were interested.

"I was sitting in class around noon and got a phone call," Peterson said. "It happened really fast, and I’ve been running ever since."

Peterson arrived in Flint on Monday night and signed his contract and took part in his first practice on Tuesday. The Generals open the IHL playoffs Friday when they travel to the Port Huron Icehawks.

Peterson said he’s not sure if he will get a chance to play on Friday, but he is one of only six defensemen on the Generals’ playoff roster.

"I’m just going to be ready for any opportunity that comes up," Peterson said.

Peterson is only the second player in Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association history to be named all-conference four times. He scored six goals and had 20 assists for 26 points this past season. Peterson finished fifth on Lawrence’s career list with 77 points and is first among defenseman. He ranks second with 56 career assists and 14th with 21 goals.

"Our season has been over for a while so I have to get my legs back under me," Peterson said. "I know I have a lot to improve upon, but I feel like I can play at this level."

Peterson earned the maximum three selections to the academic all-conference and is completing his biology major. He will continue his schoolwork while participating in the playoffs.

"We are very proud of Josh’s latest accomplishment. His passion for the game and desire to reach the next level while maintaining exemplary academic success has set a great example for the current and future Vikings," Szkodzinski said.

"Josh has earned an opportunity that so many young players dream of while growing up. We are certain that he will represent himself and the Lawrence hockey program very well while in Flint."