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Van Ness Commits to Rivier University

By Neil Ravin - Director of Communications, 03/06/21, 9:00AM EST

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87's Veteran Forward Set to Join New Program this Fall

WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ -- Bryan Van Ness, a forward for the New Jersey 87's, has committed to Rivier University for the fall of 2021.

The 2000-born native of New York is in his 2nd season with the 87's, and through 73 career games in the Eastern Hockey League (EHL), Van Ness has scored 19 goals and dished out 23 assists.

"Bryan's game has been very good over the two years of being an 87," said 87's head coach and general manager Adam Houli. "He focused on setting himself up to play college hockey and was focused and determined this past offseason, which showed when he came back. He has a good first step and that will cause headaches for a lot of defensemen."

While Van Ness is the first 87's player to choose Rivier so far this season, he's also part of a 10-player class the EHL is sending to the new program this fall. The 10-player class includes players from six different organizations throughout the league. Van Ness is excited to be a part of this exclusive group.

"It's a big stress reliever, I've been waiting two years to get a commitment, and now that it's done, it feels great," said Van Ness. "It's a brand new program, so I'm excited to help build it from the start. Being one of the first ones to play there, I'm ready to help get it going."

Van Ness went on to thank the 87's program for helping him reach this accomplishment.

"My goal was to just work hard both years while being the hardest working player on the ice. [Adam] Houli and Matty [Kiernan] set the bar high, and I want to maintain that same kind of work ethic going into college," added Van Ness.

Van Ness and his teammates are now preparing for their Second Round playoff series against Team Maryland. The South Division foes are set to kick things off on Tuesday at 12:30 pm.

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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