The New Jersey 87’s are proud to announce that Ian Lindberg has committed to play Division III hockey at Lebanon Valley College for the 2023-24 season.

Lindberg is a 20-year-old defenseman from Denver, Colorado and is in his second season with the 87’s. This year, Lindberg has a goal and four points through 27 games, and has played an instrumental role in the team’s stellar defensive play as the 87’s lead the Eastern Hockey League in goals against per game and penalty kill percentage.

“He is the epitome of what we talk about in terms of hard work and coachability. He worked very hard in his first year but still needed to make strides in the offseason,” said 87’s head coach Adam Houli. “He took everything we said to heart and applied himself. He came back and was unbelievable for us. I am so happy for him; he is a fantastic player and a better human.”

Lebanon Valley College is a Division III program located in Annville, Pennsylvania. The Dutchmen compete in the United Collegiate Hockey Conference and are led by head coach Don Parsons.

Lindberg spoke about his commitment and what it means to join the Dutchmen, “It feels great. I’m really excited to spend my next four years at Lebanon Valley, I’m really impressed with the coaching staff they have and their great facilities,” he said. “I definitely couldn’t have done it without the 87’s and Adam (Houli), he’s been great at pushing me to the next level and helping me continue to get better as a hockey player.”

Earlier this season, Lindberg represented the 87’s in the South Division All-Star game against Lebanon Valley at Hershey Park Arena. In that game he faced Dylan Gutierrez, a former 87’s defenseman who also committed to Lebanon Valley. Lindberg said he met with Gutierrez and was able to learn more about the program.

“I spoke with Dylan during my visit there and he had nothing but good things to say about Lebanon Valley, and it’s great because you get a little bit of an insight about the transition from juniors to the college level,” he said.

In the 2021-22 season, Lindberg played 27 games with the 87’s EHL team. He spoke about his development in New Jersey and how he was able to improve his game and become a shutdown defender.

“I’ve grown in terms of trusting the process and basically trusting my coaches. I feel that I have developed in terms of seeing the puck and seeing the ice differently and playing a smarter game. That’s what I want to do; continue that growth heading into Lebanon Valley.”

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