Kettering University senior Tyler Bandurski is one of 25 Division III hockey players from across the country selected by the American Collegiate Hockey Association to compete against all-star teams in Europe in late December.

Bandurski, a defenseman who is also a mechanical engineering major at Kettering, was picked for the honor during the ACHA’s all-star festivities.

“It’s a great honor to be chosen,” Bandurski said. “I’m grateful to be able to represent Kettering and the hockey team over in Europe.”

Tyler is actually the second Bandurski to receive the honor. His older brother Steve, a 2011 graduate, was selected in 2010. Tyler and his family accompanied Steve on that trip. Tyler was a sophomore and he actually made the ACHA All-Star Game that season too, but he wasn’t among the players selected that time. The experience of watching his brother, however, has him prepared for this trip.

“Watching how well my brother and the team he played on did over there last time gives me confidence that players from our league can compete with the European teams,” Bandurski said.

Playing hockey at Kettering has been a great experience for Bandurski. He’s part of a family of Kettering graduates -- his grandfather, Vince ‘65, and his father Gary ‘85 are alums. He’s also been a hockey player since a young age, so the fact that Kettering has an established hockey program allowed him to continue his athletic passion and pursue his goal of getting a degree in mechanical engineering.

“Kettering having  a hockey team was a bonus,” Bandurski said. “I was set on coming to Kettering anyway, but the fact that I could continue my playing career while also pursuing a mechanical engineering career has been a great experience.”

The team also gave him an opportunity to play on the same team as his brother, something he didn’t ever think he’d get to do because of their age difference growing up in youth leagues.

“He’s always been older and played at higher levels,” Bandurski said. “I never thought I’d be able to play with him. It was great. We just wanted to go out and win as many games as we could and compete.”

Bandurski leaves Dec. 26 for Europe and the trip lasts through Jan. 6, 2013. Players will make stops in Germany, Austria and Slovenia, among other places.

“I’m very thankful for the support from Kettering and thankful that Kettering has a hockey team, which allowed me to get this opportunity,” he said.