The '04 native of North Haven, CT is in his second season with the Avalanche program, and will return for a third a final year this fall for the 2024-25 season. However, Hines already has his commitment confirmed, which will allow him to solely focus on his development throughout the rest of his time in the Eastern Hockey League (EHL).

Hines is a true product of the league's ladder of development having worked his way up from the Eastern Hockey League Premier (EHLP), to the EHL, and now onto NCAA Hockey. Overall to date, Hines has tallied an even 57 points in 57 career games in the EHLP, and an additional 20 points in 36 games in the EHL.

"Jake has been unreal to coach these last two seasons," said Avalanche head coach and general manager Chris Cerrella. "He believes in doing things the right way, and he doesn’t want anything handed to him. He played EHLP for us last year and started this season at the Premier level as well and slowly worked his way into our EHL lineup through grit and hard work. This commitment is all about a young man with a goal and some passion to achieve that goal. This is well deserved. The Hines family has been with me for years; Jake’s brother Tyler player for me in Hartford and his cousin Devin played for me with the Avalanche. I am very excited for Jake and his family, as he will play for us next season and serve as our Captain before going off to WNE in 2025. WNE is getting a good player and an even better young man. Well done Hinesy!"

Hines is echoes a lot of the same sentiments that Cerrella references, and is proud to be a part of the Avalanche program.

"I would first like to thank Coach Cerrella and Coach Roos for the many years of guidance and development they have given me through my life," said Hines. "I can’t thank my entire family enough for all of the support they have given me during my athletic career. I’m beyond excited to continue my development with the Avalanche into next season, and I am honored to join my brother as a Golden Bear in the following year."

As Hines referenced, his family has history at WNE, and it only made the decision even easier when it came to deciding on his future.

"Jake’s family has an unbelievable history with Western New England and we’re thrilled to be adding another Hines to our Golden Bear family in 2025-26," said WNE head coach Mike Young. "We know we are getting one of the hardest working prospects available and a very passionate hockey player. We look forward to watching Jake continue to develop as a player and captain the Avalanche next season and we’re excited about bringing another amazing person to our program the following year."

Hines in the Avalanche have three games remaining on their regular season schedule, all of which are set to take place at this weekend's league-wide showcase in Aston, PA. New Hampshire has locked up the #1 seed in the upcoming North Division Playoffs, but they also have a shot at winning their second consecutive EHL Regular Season Championship.

Learn more about the Avalanche on the team's official website, and check out the full 2023-24 NCAA commitment list.