Michael Townsley '20 Recruiting Profile

I started playing organized Ice Hockey as a travel player in 2007 as a Tier II Mite.  Through-out the years I continued to play up through the levels (Squirt, Peewee, Bantam) for the Kings Youth Ice Hockey Association.  As I got older, my hockey skills and abilities began to improve.  In the fall of 2017 I moved to the Valley Forge Colonials where I continued my Tier II development however, I was selected to play for the  independent travel team called the Valley Forge Selects to participate in Eastern Junior Elite Prospects Hockey League (EJEPHL) with the 2001 program.  Following this season, I (June 2018) began practicing with the Valley Forge Minutemen Tier 1 program (U16 and U18).  I was selected again for the Valley Forge Selects and participated in New England Pro-Am Hockey League, Chowder Cup, North American Prospects Hockey League in Minnesota and The Boston Junior Bruins Shootout and also several local EJEPHL games.  I was signed to the Valley Forge Minutemen Tier 1 U18 team in October 2018. 

In addition to playing for Valley Forge Minutemen Tier 1 U18 and the Valley Forge Selects (EJEPHL) team I have been a starter since ninth grade for my Bishop Shanahan High School.  I naturally play right defense however for most of my Tier 1 experience the coaching staff has me play a versatile role of forward and defense.  Since joining Tier 1 I have proven myself to the coaches to be selected as a special team player for power play situations as an offence man and shorthanded as a defenseman. 

I was once told I would not make it higher then Tier II hockey, however, I knew if I pushed myself I could drive my own destiny.  In 2015 during my Bantam year I started to independently go to the GYM to develop my stamina and strength and I continue to attend today.  As I moved into Tier 1 I was offered to skate with both the U16 and U18 teams that would mean I would be on the ice for practice 5 days a week.  I committed to this schedule.  This effort has helped me advance to this next level.   During a speed race over the summer of 2018 I placed 4^th when skating against my U16 counterparts. 

I played in the GMHL Junior A divsion for the Northumbelrand Stars, while there I had two goals. 

For the 2019-20 season I am playing  in the NA3HL for the Missoula Jr. Bruins.