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Ballagh Commits to SUNY Cortland

By Neil Ravin - Director of Communications, 02/20/19, 9:00AM EST

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Avalanche Forward Set to Join Red Dragons this Fall

HOOKSETT, NH -- Jake Ballagh, a forward for the New Hampshire Avalanche, has committed to SUNY Cortland for the fall of 2019.

The '98 native of Buffalo, NY joined the Avalanche in late October, and he's tallied 25 points in 27 total games to date in the Eastern Hockey League (EHL).

"Being a New York inspiring student-athlete Jake drew some attention from a few different SUNY schools," said Avalanche head coach and general manager Chris Cerrella. "He really enjoyed his visit to Cortland and it was where he wanted to go. Jake came to us and started contributing right away and we have pushed him to get better every day. Jake has good offensive skills and a good head for the game. I think he is going to be a great addition to the Red Dragon locker room. He is a good student and a great young man, which will also make him a strong addition to the Cortland academic community. I wish him and his family nothing but the best of luck in the future."

As Cerrella mentioned, Ballagh drew a lot of attention from schools in the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC). This started right from the get-go when Ballagh arrived, as the talented scorer tallied 15 points in November, and thus was named the EHL Forward of the Month.

"It is super exciting and humbling to finally reach what I have been working towards for so long," said Ballagh. "I could not be more excited to join SUNY Cortland this fall. I have had so much great support along the way from my family, friends, past coaches, and teammates to help me reach this goal. I can not thank Coach Cerrella, the Avalanche Organization, and my teammates enough for pushing me every day to be the best. This would not be all possible without this group, they have made this season a blast. I am so happy I went to the Avalanche when I did, and I am so happy to be part of this team."

Ballagh and the Avalanche have clinched the North Division of the New England Conference, and thus earned a bye in the First Round of the EHL Playoffs. Looking ahead, New Hampshire will look to stay hot on their way to the postseason, with six total games remaining in the regular season.

Learn more about the New Hampshire Avalanche on the team's official website, and check out the full 2018-19 NCAA commitment list.