DI forward recruit will bring speed, scoring touch, leadership potential to front lines, locker room

Michael DeBrito, currently the leading scorer for the Niverville Nighthawks of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) with 21 goals and 17 assists through 46 games, will launch his collegiate career at Liberty University as the third forward of the incoming Fall 2024 recruiting class.

Michael-DeBrito-lineup-youth-player — Michael DeBrito. who works summer camps for U10-15 players in his hometown,
stands for pre-game lineups between a youth player and a Nightawks teammate.

The 20-year-old forward from Fergus Falls, Minn., who can play either center or wing, will help fill the void left by seven graduating forwards on this season's squad, which is gearing up for the March 7-12 ACHA DI National Championships near St. Louis, where the Flames are the No. 7 seed.

"I definitely feel I can come in and be a difference-maker," said DeBrito, who is 5-feet, 10-inches tall and weighs 174 pounds. "I have a good scoring touch around the net and my speed for sure is a strength. I've got to work hard over the summer and know that nothing's given. You've got to earn everything. I love how creative they are in the offensive zone and think I'll be able to contribute right away."

DeBrito played hockey as well as football and golf at Fergus Falls High School, where he scored 26 goals and distributed 27 assists as a senior in 2021-22 after being named team captain as a sophomore.

"I've always been kind of a leader," he said. "My parents definitely raised me to become a leader and that is something I strive for every day."

He played quarterback in football, where his speed and field vision complemented his leadership ability.

"The physicality part definitely translates over (to hockey) from football, and from golf, the mental side of staying positive and keeping your confidence definitely translates over," DeBrito said. "I am not that physical of a player. As a smaller guy, I rely on skill to take over, but I can throw my weight around, for sure."

Liberty Head Coach Kirk Handy likes the versatility and compete level DeBrito will bring to the forward lines.

Michael-DeBrito-cele — DeBrito celebrates one of his 21 goals this season for Niverville in the MJHL.

"He's a guy who can play center and wing," Handy said. "He's got really nice speed and a nose around the net, a great shot, so he is someone who's going to contribute on the offensive end. He has some good junior hockey experience and has played in some different leagues and he has been able to produce offensively. And he's a competitor; he's going to compete and I love that about him."

DeBrito visited Liberty for the first time this past week to see the campus and experience life as a student-athlete. He saw firsthand the LaHaye Ice Center where he will play and the School of Business where he will study as well as attending Wednesday's Convocation in the Vines Center.

"It was unbelievable," DeBrito said, noting that the spiritual emphasis was what impressed him the most. "I loved it. The biggest thing is being able to grow in my faith. That's the most important thing to me. I was baptized right after I was born, and I have been trying to grow my faith and my relationship with God lately."

He said the hockey program, and the atmosphere inside the LIC, were equally attractive.

"Liberty has a great track record for moving people up into professional hockey, and it has been a really successful program in the ACHA," DeBrito said. "I look forward to competing for a national championship during my time there."

For now, he is fully focused on guiding the Nighthawks into the MJHL playoffs.

"We have eight games left in the regular season, and playoffs start in the middle of March," DeBrito said. "We've been on a bit of a dry spell lately, but we are starting to find our groove. Hopefully, we can make our move and lock up a playoff spot before making a deep (postseason) run."

Handy said DeBrito will help with the rebuilding process on the front lines as a player who is both humble and hard-working, with a biblically based belief system.

"Obviously, we feel like he's a great fit from a culture standpoint," Handy said. "When he came to visit campus, that became very clear to us, as well as to him and his dad, that the team we have at Liberty going to be a great fit for him and his family. We want people who want to come in here and buy into what Liberty is all about."

Michael-DeBrito-portrait — DeBrito brings a passionate playing style and fun-loving spirit to the game.

A former teammate of current Flames freshman forward Ryan Finch when they played for the Kenai River Brown Bears in the NAHL, DeBrito caught up with Finch over dinner during his visit.

"We play similar styled games," DeBrito said of Finch. "We both have really good shots, and speed down the wall."

Finch, who gave his life to the Lord on the team's trip to Finland in early January, struck DeBrito as different.

"His demeanor has changed for the better," DeBrito said. "He definitely seemed more down to earth, and I am excited to get to know him over the next few years."

After meeting his future teammates and being welcomed into their practice session on the ice, DeBrito formed fast friendships that he will look to develop in the near future.

"I am pretty reserved, and don't like to talk much unless I get to know someone first, but I think I have a good sense of humor," DeBrito said, noting that he bonds quickly with teammates as they battle on the ice as a band of brothers. "I like to consider myself a glue guy. I always come to rink with a smile on my face and ready to get to work and have a good time while doing it. I have a good work ethic, too, which will translate over to college life."

He hopes to leave a winning legacy at Liberty before launching his professional career, in business or hockey.

"I would like for my work ethic to be remembered from my time there, as well as the way I can bring guys together," DeBrito said. "I try to not set goals, but try to work hard every day and get better and leave the results in God's hands."

By Ted Allen/Staff Writer; Video by Patrick Strawn/Club Sports Director of Video & Media

Liberty University Club Sports Athletics

DI forward recruit will bring speed, scoring touch, leadership potential to front lines, locker room

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