An ’04 from Clifton Park, NY, amassed 31 points in 55 games in the EHLP, before moving up to the EHL to record 3 goals and 3 assists in 25 total games played over 2 seasons.

“Sam was another player that believed in our process,” said Avalanche head coach Chris Cerrella. “He played in the EHLP and then moved up to our EHL team. He worked hard every day to improve his on- and off-ice training, and he was able to find success and earn a college commitment. Wester never expected anything—he earned it the whole way. He did everything our coaching staff asked, and I am very proud of him. He accomplished his goal. I can’t wait to see him compete at the college level next season. We will miss him next season, and I wish him and his family the best of luck.”

Hiram College, located in Hiram, Ohio, will compete at the NCAA Division III level and will be lead by head coach Jeffrey Curto.

“I’m really excited to further my education and athletic career at Hiram College,” said West. “I’d like to thank my family for supporting me through all my years of hockey, as well as Coach Cerrella and Coach Bourdon of the NH Avalanche. The Avalanche has been a great organization for me, coming up through the EHLP and giving me the opportunity to play in the EHL. Trusting the process has definitely helped me move through the program and achieve my goal of playing NCAA hockey.”

West is the 3rd player this season to commit to Hiram College, joining Remi DeSmith from the Connecticut Nor’Easter, and Ryan Johnston from the New Jersey Bears. 

To view the full 2024-25 NCAA commitment list, click here.