HOOKSETT, NH -- Justin Hess, a forward for the New Hampshire Avalanche, has committed to Nazareth College for the Fall of 2018. The '97 just helped his team win the EHL Championship this past Sunday, as the Avalanche knocked off the Philadelphia Revolution by the score of 3-2. In his first and only season in the EHL, Hess racked up 30 points in 40 total games for New Hampshire.

"Justin had a great start to the season, and then he hit a rough patch midway through with an injury and some consistency in his play," said Avalanche head coach and general manager Chris Cerrella. "Him and I worked very hard to complete his game this season and it has paid off. He is one of the best skating forwards that I have ever coached and I think he is going to be very dangerous at the next level. I am looking forward to watching him next season at Nazareth and I wish him and his family luck in the future."

As Cerrella mentioned the hard work definitely paid off for Hess, as the native of Boynton Beach, FL was big for his team down the final stretch of the regular season and into the playoffs. In the final three games of the regular season, Hess racked up six total points, helping to secure the top seed in the North Conference for his team. In the playoffs, Hess brought incredible energy to his team, and it could be felt through the first goal he scored back on Day #1 of the EHL Frozen Finals. Hess took some time to look back on the year that was, and give his thanks.

"I can't thank the Avalanche organization enough for all the support and opportunity they have given me this season," said Hess. "Coach Cerrella and Coach Martiniello have been mentors and have helped me grow as a person on and off the ice. They have instilled some values in me that I look forward to carrying with me in the next chapters of my life. I would like to send out a special thank you to my family. They have been by my side and made sacrifices so I could chase my dream of playing college hockey one day. I have finally reached that goal and I am very excited to be a student next year at Nazareth. I am also very excited to be to joining the Golden Flyers team next season and cannot wait for the next chapter in my life, GO GOLDEN FLYERS!"

Learn more about the New Hampshire Avalanche on the team's official website, and check out the full list of 2018 NCAA Commitments.