WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ -- John Foote, a defenseman for the New Jersey 87's, has committed to Lebanon Valley College (LVC) for the fall of 2024.
The '03 native of Shrewsbury, NJ is in his second year with the 87's program and first at the Eastern Hockey League (EHL) level, after starting off his junior hockey career in the Eastern Hockey League Premier (EHLP) last year (2022-23).
After tallying 34 points in 50 total games last season, all while helping to lead the 87's to their second EHLP Championship, Foote has adapted his game with the climb up the ladder to the EHL. The 6'1 defenseman has played out this year as more of a defensive defenseman, having tallied four points to his credit so far.
"John is player who demonstrated that trusting in our beliefs, our standard, and staff, can get you the next level," said 87's head coach and general manager Adam Houli. “He has excelled each year with us and has really taken the next step this year. He posseses the skills and ability to be a strong college hockey player and I believe Coach Don [Parsons] has gotten a great player in the making. I am very excited to see his future and I am so happy he has climbed the 87's ladder!"
Foote will enjoy an immediate sense of comfortability when he arrives on campus in the fall, as he will reunite with his current teammate Blake Dustin, who also committed to LVC back in January. The pair of 87's will also team up with Aidan Bright from the New Jersey Bears, as the three South Division players make up the incoming class so far, that the EHL will be sending off to LVC.
"I wouldn’t be in this position if it wasn’t for the 87's organization, and specifically Coach Houli and Coach [Matt] Kiernan," said Foote. "They helped develop me as a player, which is allowing me to move on to the next level at Lebanon Valley College. I can’t wait to join the LVC men’s ice hockey team. I believe it is a great fit and I’m excited to get started."
Foote and the 87's are in a tight battle in the middle of the South Division standings. Despite having just four regular season games remaining, they still mathematically could finish anywhere from 1st place to 4th place, once the playoffs are set and ready to begin.
Learn more about the 87's on the team's official website, and check out the full 2023-24 NCAA commitment list.