SIMSBURY, CT -- Kirk Underwood, a forward for the Connecticut Nighthawks, has committed to Chatham University for the Fall of 2017. Underwood is in his 1st season with the Nighthawks, and the '97 forward tallied 24 points in the regular season.

"Kirk has been a very good player for us all season," said Nighthawks head coach Jeff Tory. "He has a great work ethic and I am very happy to see him rewarded with this great opportunity to join Chatham University next season."

While this is Underwood's 1st season with the Nighthawks, this is his 2nd year in the Eastern Hockey League. The native of Colorado knows the value of the time he spent in the EHL, and he's looking forward to kicking off his collegiate career this Fall.

"This is something I have worked very long and hard for. I'm thrilled that it is finally happening and I couldn't have done it without the team and coaches I have around me. I am excited to further my academic and athletic career at Chatham," said Underwood.

The Nighthawks are the only team in the Premier Division that has already finished all 48 of their regular season games, and they will enter the playoffs as the #8 seed in the South Conference. Connecticut is locked in to face-off against the Philadelphia Little Flyers in the first round of the playoffs.

Learn more about the Connecticut Nighthawks on the team's official website, and check out the full list of 2017 NCAA Commitments.