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Mark Commits to Western New England

By Neil Ravin, 08/31/21, 9:00AM EDT

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Apple Core Defenseman Set to Join Pair of Teammates this Fall

BREWSTER, NY -- Eric Mark, a defenseman for the New York Apple Core, has committed to Western New England (WNE) for the fall of 2021.

The 2000-born native of Bensalem, PA spent just a single season with the Apple Core, and in 27 total Eastern Hockey League (EHL) games, the defensive defenseman notched three assists to his credit.

“Eric was a solid and consistent player for us, both on and off the ice,” said Apple Core head coach and general manager Mike LaZazzera. “A stay-at-home defenseman, who always knew where to be. Eric was very humble and truly cared for the team in his short time with us."

Mark is part of a four-player class heading off from the EHL to WNE this fall, as he will be joined by a pair of former teammates in Sam Mitchell and Jason Ruszkowski, as well as William Pond from the Connecticut RoughRiders. Overall, the four-player class increases the EHL's total up to 26 NCAA Commitments to WNE since the league was formed back in 2013.

“I am excited to say that I will be attending Western New England in the fall," said Mark. "With great academics and athletics, it had all the criteria's checked of my ideal school. I would like to thank the New York Apple Core organization for the opportunity to play. Especially through a pandemic, this was undoubtedly a year I will remember. From the general manager, to the media guy, everyone cared; it was a great experience to play in such a tight-knit organization. A lot of adversity was faced throughout this year from getting dressed outside, to dealing with covid. As a result, I'd like to thank Coach LaZazzera for instilling a 'team first' mentality through his meetings and discussions which helped us get through this season. When narrowing down schools he mentioned that Western New England would be a great school to look at. Once I visited, I knew that this is the place where I wanted to be. I would like to thank friends, coaches, and especially my parents who supported me throughout the way.”

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

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