SEASON PREVIEW - NEW JERSEY 87s
New Jersey 87’s
Tier III Junior - Eastern Hockey League
2020-2021 Year In Review
Record : 32-6-3
EHL Regular Season Champions
South Division Champs
Frozen 4 Finalist
2020-2021 Commitments
Matthew Belinski - Trine University NCAA D3
Ty Carter - Framingham State NCAA D3
Jacob Crespo - Curry College NCAA D3
Cal Couell - Stevenson University NCAA D3
Tim Debord - Lawrence University NCAA D3
Dylan Gutierrez - Lebanon Valley College NCAA D3
Michael Hertzberg - Arcadia University NCAA D3
Jon Kopack - Curry College NCAA D3
Zach Lindenwirth - Skidmore College NCAA D3
Matt Sayles - Nazareth College NCAA D3
Nick Swain - Wilkes University NCAA D3
Dante Terramini - Lawrence University NCAA D3
Bryan Van Ness - Rivier University NCAA D3
George Weiner - Wentworth Institute of Technology NCAA D3
Kei Yasuda - Connecticut College NCAA D3
2021-2022 Players to Watch
Matt Herrick - ‘01 Defenseman
After spending the 2020/21 season with the 87’s, Herrick returns to their blue line. Last season Herrick accumulated 20 points in 27 games and is expected to run the 87’s power play this season. Schools will be drawn to his offensive instincts and his ability to get around the ice.
Spencer White - ‘01 Defenseman
Another returning defensemen for the 87’s White is expected to play in a top 4 role for his team this season. He plays a nice two-way style of defense that allows him to be used in many different ways 5 on 5 and on the power play.
Hunter Mcgee - ‘01 Defenseman
Mcgee will be coming off an injury and is expected to have a major impact this season as a 20 year old. He will often be matched up vs his opponents top lines and will be asked to contribute on the power play and anchor the PK. Schools will be drawn to his frame and his play on the defensive side of the puck.
Everest Schneider - ‘01 Forward
Schneider is ready to take off this season according to his coaches. He will be expected to play heavy minutes as he loves to push the play with his pace. His speed and skill will make him extremely attractive to colleges as he looks to gain attention early in the year.
Jeremy Connor - ‘01 Goaltender
The EHL veteran has moved up the ladder with the 87’s throughout his junior career and is looking to have a huge 20 year old year. Last season he posted an impressive 9-2-1 record with a 92.7 save percentage. With his experience he will improve on those numbers as his he will be heavily relied on this year.
2021-2022 Scheduling Highlights
Opening game 9/18/2021 @ Jersey Shore Arena vs Division Rival Philadelphia Little Flyers
EHL Showcase Series
Worcester Showcase September 30- October 3rd Worcester Mass
Walpole Showcase October 16-18th Walpole Mass
Haverhill Showcase November 6-8th Haverhill Mass
Newington Showcase December 14-16th Newington Ct
Exeter Showcase January 15-17th Exeter NH
EHL All Stars vs Fitchburg State, Curry College and UMASS Boston October 20-23rd
Outlook for 2021-2022 Season
The 2021-2022 season is filled with excitement for the New Jersey 87’s as they bring a large group of younger players into their building. After placing 15 players into NCAA Division 3 schools last year they are expecting the younger returners players to step up into bigger roles on the team. The 87’s have become a recruiting hotbed for Division 3 schools over the last two seasons, expect the new faces to become very popular amongst the Colleges. As a team the goal remains the same, compete for a South Division Championship and return to the Frozen 4 Finals in March.
Program Highlights
15 total NCAA D3 placements for the 2020-2021 season was a program record. Colleges know the 87’s brand and the program will continue to pump out commitments.
Consistency is key, the 87’s won the EHL South 3 seasons in a row.
EHL head coach Adam Houli won coach of the year 2020-2021 season.
Dante Teramanni 2020-2021 EHL MVP after accumulating 51 points in 35 games played. Teramanni scored over a 106 points with the 87’s in two year and will be heading to Lawrence University.
Setting the bar high, the 87’s were the 2019-2020 EHL Organization of the year.
Investing in development: George Bozak joins staff as goalie coach and Jeff LoVecchio was hired as strength and conditioning coordinator.
