The New Jersey 87's are proud to announce that Dante Terramani and Tim DeBord have committed to play Division III hockey at Lawrence University for the 2021-2022 season.

Terramani is a 20-year-old forward from Monterey Park, California and is a two-year veteran of the 87's EHL team. DeBord, also a 20-year-old forward, is from Parker, Colorado and is in his third year with the 87's EHL program. 

Between the two players, DeBord and Terramani have re-written the record books for the 87's, combining for 189 games and 239 points. 87's head coach Adam Houli talked about their commitments and what it means to see two veterans finally reach the NCAA level.

"It’s an unbelievable feeling to have them committed and to the school they wanted and felt was best fit," Houli said. "They are some of the most hard working individuals on and off the ice. They exemplify the 87 way and we could not be more proud of them."

Lawrence University is a Division III program located in Appleton, Wisconsin. Competing in the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association, the Vikings are led by head coach Mike Szkodzinski.

Terramani recorded 106 points (50g, 56a) in 79 games with the 87's and was named EHL Rookie of the Year in the 2019-20 season. When discussing his commitment, he spoke about joining an esteemed program such as Lawrence and the prospect of going there with a teammate in DeBord.

"It's going to be great to live with Tim, he was a veteran in my first year of juniors so I know him really well," Terramani said. "As far as the school, I just believe it's a great location, I know the academics are impressive and I look forward to improving the hockey program there."

Coming off an incredible rookie season, Terramani matched his first-year total of 25 goals despite playing in a shortened season. He talked about the importance of having a strong second year and how the 87's program helped him reach his goal of a college commitment.

"I remember my first year I had a really good season and I just tried to stick with it with my training over the summer and get back the next season to do the same thing," he said. "Adam and Matty (Kiernan), they just run the program very professionally. They give us every chance to succeed and they help us every chance they get. A lot of it for me was borne through my commitment over the summer."

In his third season with the 87's, DeBord has established himself as the all-time leader in games played (110), goals (53), assists (80) and points (133). He shared what it means for him to join the Vikings' program in the fall of 2021. "It's been the last two years I wanted to commit, to finally get it done, it feels amazing. The location and the hockey program is such a big positive, it's such a welcoming place I can't wait to be there for the next four years," he said.

DeBord also reflected on his three-year tenure with the team. He was an alternate captain for his first two seasons and the captain for his third year, and he also had a brief stint in the Tier II North American Hockey League with the New Jersey Titans. Now in his final year of juniors, he's focusing on winning the Frozen Finals with the 87's.

"It was a journey for sure. Houli said it in his own words that I was 5th line, and I worked my way up. I earned myself a couple of games in the NAHL the first season then after that I just kept developing every year," DeBord said. "I was named assistant captain my first year, stayed an assistant my second year, third year was given the honor of being the captain, and now I just want to finish the year with the boys."

Houli credited the two players with a tremendous work ethic while setting the bar for the young hockey franchise. "The growth has been tremendous- they knew that coming into our program the opportunity to be successful and get better was the reason they chose to be here. It’s great to see hard work pay off for hard working individuals."

The 87's organization would like to congratulate Dante, Tim and their families as they get ready to advance their hockey careers to the Division III collegiate level.