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Jack Lane commits to Wilkes University

By Anthony Di Paolo, 05/21/20, 6:45PM EDT

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First-ever 87's goal scorer set to join the Colonels this fall

The New Jersey 87's are proud to announce that Jack Lane has committed to play Division III collegiate hockey at Wilkes University for the 2020-21 season.

Lane is a 20-year-old forward from South River, N.J. and is a three-year veteran of the 87's. In the team's inaugural season in the EHL Premier Division, he led the team with 60 points (21g, 39a) in 42 games. Between the last two seasons with the EHL team, Lane notched 79 points (22g, 57a) in 66 games.

Head coach Adam Houli spoke about Lane's accomplishment and what he's meant to the organization. "Jack is one of the top 87's players in our short history. He was an All Star each year in our league and he really found his game while playing for us. I truly believe Jack's game translates to the next level and he will continue to play hockey after school. Off the ice Jack is a phenomenal kid who is genuine in everything he does. He has and will always be a great ambassador for our program."

Wilkes University is a Division III program located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Competing in the United Collegiate Hockey Conference, the Colonels are led by head coach Tyler Hynes. Lane talked about his commitment and what it means to join the Colonels for the 2020-21 season.

"Landing this commitment to a program like Wilkes is unbelievable. It's definitely special to me because of all the hard work, dedication and time you put into it as a junior hockey player. It's great to have it finally pay off," Lane said.

Prior to the 2017-18 season, Lane was unsure how his hockey career would continue. He credits the 87's coaching staff for bringing him into the organization, where he developed his game over the next three years.

"The 87's have done everything for me when it comes to hockey. Before I came to the 87's I wasn't even going to pursue junior hockey until Adam (Houli) and Matty (Kiernan) gave me a chance. Being an 87 wasn't just about playing hockey," Lane said. "The program has brought me much more, such as growing as a person individually, teaching me long term life lessons and most importantly they brought me a second family that I will cherish forever."

In addition to being with the organization since day one, Lane scored the first goal in 87's history with the Premier team. The following season, he scored the first-ever goal for the EHL squad. His knack to find the back of the net while playing a solid all-around game helped shape the '87 way' that the organization is known for today.

"It definitely will be a memory that I'll never forget, scoring the 87's first goals both seasons. Thankfully I had the boys both times to help me achieve those goals," Lane said. "It's definitely awesome knowing that I was one of a couple three-year vets to go through this program and help put them on the map. You know you work so hard to overcome adversity and I can definitely say that the 87's have come along way in such a short amount of time, and that it's only the beginning for this program."

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