The Hampton Roads Jr. Whalers are proud to announce that 1993 defenseman Buddy Naber from Cincinnatti, OH has committed to play NCAA hockey in the fall for the St. Mary's University Cardinals.

Naber has been a mainstay on the Whalers blueline for the past two seasons.  Buddy posted 2 goals and 11 assists for 13 points this past season, playing in all 40 games for the Whalers after posting 3 goals and 5 assists for 8 points in 39 games in 2012-13.

"Buddy is one of the hardest working kids to have ever come through our program", states coach Brad Jones.  "He spends countless hours training on the ice, in the gym, and in the classroom.  He is always the first player to knock on our door looking to get better and better. I am excited to see all of Buddy's hard work pay off and I wish him much continued success at St. Mary's."

"I'm excited for the opportunities that lie ahead of me at St. Mary's", stated Naber. "I cannot thank the Whaler coaching staff, ownership, players, and organization enough for giving me every opportunity possible to develop as a player and a person.  Hard work, combined with the guidance from the Whalers organization has allowed me to reach my dream of playing NCAA hockey. I also cannot thank the Brisland family, and others who have hosted me over the years for opening their homes to me and treating as part of the family." 

St. Mary's is located in Winona, MN and competes in the NCAA's Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC).