Steinbach defenceman Darby Gula announced he has committed to Bemidji State University for the 2018/19 season.

Gula explains that a lot of thought went into his decision. "The opportunity to play hockey and get games in each year. University programs, they carry between 8 and 10 defencemen and Bemidji carries between 8 and 9 depending on the year, but they're losing 6 over the next two years. There's a lot of opportunities to get into the lineup and that was the most attractive thing."

Knowing there was interest from the school, Gula admits to feeling a bit of pressure. "You always feel a little bit of pressure playing games, knowing a school is watching or just wanting to perform for the team. I think I was more used to it having it be my third year (in the MJHL). Schools have always been watching our games cause we have a great program. There is a little bit of pressure but it's also fun to play in front of them."

With the hope that he will be in Bemidji next season and not be returning to Steinbach for his 20-year-old season, Gula does have mixed emotions. "The whole goal of the Junior A process and playing in Steinbach is, for a lot of people, to move on in your hockey career, to use it as a stepping stone. Obviously, with possibly not being here next year, it's bittersweet but I think they'll do fine and it's just me taking the next step.

The coaching staff at Bemidji also played a big role in Gula's choice. "Throughout the whole recruiting process, they were all so kind to me, really honest and welcoming types of people. You're spending 4 years there so it's important to get along with the coaches."

Education is important to the Steinbach native and he's already setting up for life in the classroom. "I'm thinking about a business program, they have a few there. Either management or maybe finance but I haven't really decided yet, I still have some time to figure that out. When I went down there for my visit, I got to meet the head of the business facility and he was great. He showed me around and the programs they have to offer."

A former Steinbach Pistons defender and current Bemidji State blueliner lent his support. "Justin Baudry helped." Gula said, "I sent him a text just to get an idea of what it was like to be there. He was really kind and helped me pick what I thought was important for school. It was really helpful."

Bemidji is about 3.5 hours away from Steinbach, another major factor in deciding his next step in his life. "Parents can come watch games really easy, I can make it tor events really easy or Christmas. I don't have to book flights so that was huge."

Outside of family, the first person Gula told was a teammate Will Koop. "He was super pumped. He was watching an online lecture for one of his classes and he put that aside to talk with me for few minutes, it was pretty nice."

There's a lot of hockey left in this MJHL season and Gula, who ranks 6th in points league-wide is ready for what comes next. "It takes a little personal pressure off my goals that I set for the season. Now, it's just continue to improve my game and the teams game. A championship is what we're focused on and now it's much easier to focus on and take the steps required."

There are photos in the player's lounge next to the dressing room of former Pistons that have moved on to different levels of hockey. Thinking that his photo will be up there with former teammates like Tyler Penner, Cole Smith and Nick Deery give Gula quite the special feeling. "I can't say enough good things about the program we have here. That room has a special meaning, seeing all the players that the program has been able to develop and to be a part of it is something special. I'm looking forward to seeing them commit more guys and move on more guys to the next level."

Goal Of The Year Candidate 

Darby Gula scored what could be the goal of the year. Video here.