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Couell Commits to Stevenson University

By Neil Ravin - Director of Communications, 02/13/21, 9:00AM EST

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87's Defenseman Set to Join Mustangs this Fall

WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ -- Cal Couell, a defenseman for the New Jersey 87's, has committed to Stevenson University for the fall of 2021.

The 2000-born native of Orchard Park, NY came to the Eastern Hockey League (EHL) following a pair of seasons with the Texas Jr. Brahmas in the North American Tier III Hockey League (NA3HL). With this commitment, it appears that Couell's decision to join the 87's in the EHL has paid off.

"He's a great kid who worked his butt off to get to where he is now," said 87's head coach and general manager Adam Houli. "He's someone we had targeted last year and he was super excited to join our program. His goal was to get a college commitment and we thought he could get there. He trusted us and we trusted him, so to see it come to fruition is an awesome accomplishment for him."

Couell is the 2nd defenseman in 87's team history to chose Stevenson, as he will join Justin Vickers when he arrives on campus. Vickers spent two seasons with the 87's, playing alongside many of the players that Couell is lining up with this year.

"It's awesome to know that there are a ton of good players at that program [Stevenson]," said Couell. "I've heard great stories from my teammates now, (Dante Terramani and Dylan Gutierrez), telling me everything about Vicks and that he's a great guy, so I'm excited to get down to Maryland for the next four years and tear it up with them."

Houli went on to talk about Couell's decision to change leagues, and how it ultimately led to this moment in his age-out season of junior hockey.

"The fear is when you come in for one year, it's hard to really peak or get to that point when you can," added Houli. "He's certainly done that for us, he asks good questions and came in knowing there were some flaws to his game. He wanted to get them corrected and he wanted to flourish. For him to do that speaks a lot about who he is as a person and as a player. He's super coachable and I think that's allowed him to get this opportunity to commit."

Couell also discussed his development with the 87's throughout the season, and described how the coaching staff helped him reach his goal of getting to college hockey.

"Coach Houli and Coach Matty are just unbelievable coaches," added Couell. "I've learned so much since I've gotten here from Texas. They just helped me out so much with the little things in my game and I can't wait to continue improving on those things and get even better."

Learn more about the 87's on the team's official website, and check out the full 2020-21 NCAA commitment list.

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