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Jerzak commits to SUNY Fredonia

By Anthony Di Paolo, 05/21/19, 3:45PM EDT

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Jerzak commits after leading the EHL team's inaugural season as the starting goaltender

The New Jersey 87's are proud to announce that Dalton Jerzak has committed to play Division III hockey at SUNY Fredonia for the 2019-2020 season.

Jerzak is a 19-year-old goaltender from Rochester, N.Y. and served as the starter for the 87's EHL team in its inaugural season. Appearing in 29 contests in the 2018-19 season, Jerzak finished with a record of 20-9-0 while posting a .905 save percentage and 2.83 goals against average. 

Head coach Adam Houli spoke about Jerzak's commitment and what he meant to the team as their starting goaltender.

"Dalton came to us as a first year junior player who had a clear vision of what he wanted and how he wanted to do it. He worked tirelessly throughout the season to improve his game every day and I am excited that he will be playing at the next level," Houli said. "He can steal a hockey game and that will be a huge characteristic to take to college. I wish him the best and I am excited to watch him play."

SUNY Fredonia is a Division III school located in Fredonia, N.Y. and competes in the State University of New York Athletic Conference. The Blue Devils are currently led by head coach Jeff Meredith. Jerzak spoke about his commitment and what it means to join a program such as Fredonia.

"To go to a program that has a winning culture with great coaching is huge. The guys in that locker room expect to win and would do anything for each other, and I consider that important and somewhere I really want to be," Jerzak said. "It’s an awesome opportunity for me to develop and grow as a person on and off the ice which I’m excited for. Especially in a competitive conference such as the SUNYAC, it really is a dream come true."

Since his arrival to Middletown, Jerzak earned his role as the number one goaltender for the 87's EHL team and led the team to an impressive inaugural season. On top of his accomplishments at the Tier III level, Jerzak often practiced with the New Jersey Titans of the North American Hockey League and picked up a victory in his debut with the team. He spoke about his development with the 87's over the course of the season and the opportunities that came from the team's affiliation with the Titans.

"I was glad to be a part of the inaugural season for the 87’s we had a special group of guys that really cared about each other. Ultimately we feel short of a championship but had a lot of guys move up into the NAHL and land a lot of collegiate commitments which is something to say about opportunity within the program. 

I think personal it was a year where I learned a lot about myself as a player. I faced some adversity about finding my game and playing at the highest level I could, but ultimately I was just really thankful for the opportunity that both Craig (Doremus) and Houli gave me, they believed in me and gave me an opportunity in my first year of juniors. For a young guy that really has a lasting impact and I will forever remember my time in New Jersey and will be thankful."

The 87's would like to congratulate Dalton and his family as he prepares to advance his hockey career to the Division III collegiate level.