West Chester native Eric Knodel, a Rustin High School graduate and one of minor league hockey’s best defensemen, has decided to continue pursuing his hockey dreams closer to home, writes Jason Guarente for PA Prep Live.

After six years bouncing around the AHL and ECHL, his latest stop will be with the AHL’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms, a minor league affiliate of the Flyers.

“It has always been a motivation to try and get back,” said Knodel. “It’s definitely easier when family is closer.”

Growing up in Chester County, Knodel spent most of his youth at Ice Line. During that time, he helped Rustin win the state championship and also played for the Junior Flyers.

The NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs drafted Knodel in the fifth round in 2009. He then played three seasons with the University of New Hampshire.

Last year with the Cincinnati Cyclones, Knodel tallied 17 goals and 36 assists and was named the ECHL’s Defenseman of the Year. Now, he is hoping to stick with the Phantoms once training camp starts.

However, even if he does not make the Phantoms, he will stay close to home with the ECHL’s Reading Royals.

Read more about Eric Knodel at PA Prep Live here.