Kearney, Ne. – Storm forward Bobby Kaiser was born and raised in Michigan, developing his hockey talents before coming to Tri-City. He is moving back to the Great Lakes State for college.

Kaiser, 18, announced his verbal commitment to play Division I college hockey for Western Michigan University late Monday.

“The visit was kind of spur of the moment, but I really liked the campus, the coaching staff, and the atmosphere,” said Kaiser. “Their playing style fits mine, they like to lay the body.”

Kaiser joins Storm forward Wade Allison as a Broncos commit. Twelve USHL players are committed to play in Kalamazoo.

Western Michigan is a member of the NCHC. The Storm have commits to other NCHC schools North Dakota (Andrew Peski), Miami of Ohio (Brian Hawkinson), St. Cloud State (Jake Wahlin) and Colorado College (Austen Long).

Former Broncos currently in the NHL include Danny DeKeyser of the Detroit Red Wings, Pat Dwyer of the Carolina Hurricanes and Luke Witkowski of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Andy Murray, Western Michigan’s Head Coach and a 10-year NHL coach with the Los Angeles Kings and St. Louis Blues helped motivate Kaiser to play for the Broncos.

“Coach Murray asked me, ‘do you want to be a Bronco?’” said Kaiser. “My dad [Bob] was in the room and he was ecstatic.”

Kaiser credits Storm Head Coach and General Manager Bill Muckalt for making him a better player.

“Coach Muckalt has been very positive and helped me,” explained Kaiser.

“We as a staff are really excited for Bobby and would like to congratulate him on his commitment,” said Muckalt. “He has worked hard and improved every day since arriving in Kearney and we look forward to continue helping Bobby on his development plan.”

“I’m really excited to get back to work here for the rest of the season,” said Kaiser.