The New Jersey 87's are excited to announce that Michael Hertzberg has committed to play Division III hockey at Arcadia University for the 2021-22 season.

Hertzberg is a 20-year-old forward from Sewickley, Pennsylvania. He is in his second season with the 87's, and recorded nine points (3g, 6a) in 25 games with the EHL team throughout the 2019-20 season. 

Head coach Adam Houli spoke about Hertzberg's commitment and the work he put in during the offseason. "Michael is a perfect example of someone who believed in what we had to say about his game, wanted to get better and develop. He worked his butt off all summer and was focused from the start. He had a great training camp and performed when Coach Vin skated with our team. He is a great get for the program and he will excel in college. I’m excited to watch him continue to get better every day," he said.

Arcadia University is a Division III program located in Glenside, Pennsylvania. The Knights' inaugural season is set for 2021-2022 and will compete in the United Collegiate Hockey Conference. The team will be led by head coach Vincent Pietrangelo. 

Hertzberg spoke about his commitment and what it means to join Arciadia's program. "Committing to a prestigious academic school like Arcadia with a coach who has worked at the Division I level is an honor. Coach Pietrangelo's knowledge about the game of hockey and what it takes to excel in the collegiate level both on and off the ice illuminates the school and their hockey program at the Division III level, as well as in their conference," he said.

Last season, Hertzberg was finding himself in and out of the lineup on the EHL team. He played four games with the Premier team, but eventually saw consistent time with the big squad. He spoke about last season's progress and how it leads up to this year.

"Last season, Coach Houli and Coach Kiernan helped me understand the systems in all three zones of the ice and how 87's hockey is played," Hertzberg said. "I was not in the lineup for every game, but I just told myself to keep working on and off the ice, to ask the coaches detailed and honest questions about what is expected, and to also watch and try to emulate the veteran players who have experienced the process and understand what it takes to get to the next level in hockey and as an athlete."

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