The 2000-born native of Getzville, NY is in his 3rd season in the Eastern Hockey League (EHL), and 2nd full year with the 87's program. After helping the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights reach the EHL Frozen Finals back in the 2018-19 season, Bielinski made the move to New Jersey, and that's where he's played ever since. In total, the veteran forward his played in 114 career games in the EHL, tallying 97 points along the way.

"Matt was focused and determined to be the best player he can be and he has been great," said 87's head coach and general manager Adam Houli. "He plays with raw grit and can score, and that combination is going to be great for Trine."

Bielinski goes in the books as the first player in 87's history to choose Trine, as well as the 17th player in league history to make this decision.

"It's crazy, you dream of it as a kid playing NCAA hockey, and just to go through three years of juniors and put all the time in, it's so exciting to see it pay off. Especially to go to a school like Trine, it's unbelievable," said Bielinski.

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

"I would not be where I am right now as a player without [Adam] Houli and Matty [Kiernan]," added Bielinski. "They have done a terrific job on the ice getting us better and off the ice finding schools for us. They helped me get to where I am now and deserve a lot of credit for that."

Bielinski and the 87's begin postseason play tomorrow, when they face the talented scorer's former coach in Josh Fusco. Team Maryland swept the Connecticut RoughRiders in the First Round of the EHL Playoffs, earning themselves the matchup with Bielinski and the 87's.

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