The '01 native of Victor, NY joined the Ducks in late September, and has been a near point-per-game player for Protec with 35 points in 38 total Eastern Hockey League (EHL) games to date.

"Tilley is all energy, his passion and compete level makes him the player he is, and he’s usually the first one to step up and say and do things to get his team going," said Ducks head coach and general manager Terry Watt. "Brockport is lucky to have a great player and locker room guy in James. Our organization wishes him the best of luck with his future collegiate hockey career."

To date this season, the Ducks have a list of six total players that will be heading off to college this fall, four of which will be competing in the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC). When Brockport lines up against SUNY Fredonia it will be Tilley and his teammate Ryan Brow versus Tilley's linemates Nick Newman and Spencer Quinn. Tilley is excited to have this weight off of his shoulders, as well as to be heading back to his home state for college.

"My time in the EHL has been a pleasure," said Tilley. "It has really made it possible to showcase and improve my skills on a day to day basis. It's overall a phenomenal league. When I arrived at Protec in late September, I was really hoping for a hardworking group with a family atmosphere, and from day one they have been my newfound family. I have made connections that will last a lifetime, and I couldn’t thank the people here at Protec enough for making that possible. I’m beyond eager to start my next chapter at Brockport, and I am beyond grateful for the chance to play for such a remarkable program and school."

With today's come-from-behind overtime victory against the Connecticut RoughRiders, Tilley and the Ducks are currently tied with Team Maryland for 3rd place in the South Division standings.

With three home games still remaining on Protec's regular season schedule, Tilley will look to help his team try and chase down the Philadelphia Little Flyers (four-point margin) for 2nd place and the home-ice advantage in the First Round of the EHL Playoffs.

Learn more about the Ducks on the team's official website, and check out the full 2021-22 NCAA commitment list.