The Phoenix Coyotes aren't the only hockey team in Arizona.
The Arizona State University Sun Devils also skate in the desert and former Estevan Bruin Ben Findlay will be joining them next year.
The 21-year-old Regina native has committed to ASU for the next phase in his hockey career.
Findlay notched 12 goals and 42 points with the Bruins last season after being acquired from the La Ronge Ice Wolves.
"I didn't realize they had a team until I was down there at Christmastime," Findlay said. "We were down there visiting. I'm pretty happy to be going."
The Sun Devils are part of the American Collegiate Hockey Association, an umbrella organization for all schools not sanctioned by the NCAA. Their schools do not offer scholarships to out-of-state players.
ASU is independent, meaning it does not belong to a conference. It has two men's hockey teams; Findlay will play for the Division 1 squad.
"The coach (Greg Powers) was very convincing. They got a great business program at ASU and that's what I plan to take. They have a top-ranked business school," said Findlay.
He had several offers from NCAA Division 3 schools, including Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn., but he said Powers seemed more interested in his well-being.
Findlay should get a chance to play a significant role for the Sun Devils.
"It sounds like I'll be a top six forward and power play guy. The coach wants me to play an offensive role. Obviously I'll have to work my way up, but hopefully I can start from a good place. It sounds like I will."
Powers said in a news release that he's excited to add Findlay, who won the Credit Union Cup with La Ronge in 2009-10.
"Benny is coming in with very high expectations, not only of himself, but from me as well. He is a seasoned guy who can flat out fly and score tons of points.
"His eagerness to win and be a part of the championship culture that we are trying to build has me really excited about him as a Sun Devil."
Going back to the classroom will take some time for Findlay to get used to, especially in the southern U.S.
"Just being away from the snow will be the biggest change," he chuckled.
"I'm very excited. I haven't done a report or an exam in the last three years. It'll be interesting to see how that works out, but I'm pretty confident."
Meanwhile, graduating Bruins defenceman Lucas Stubel committed to Briercrest College in Caronport earlier last month.
The 21-year-old Estevan native posted seven goals and 15 points in his final SJHL season.
