Defenseman Tyler Branish was selected for the main EHL All-Star team while Aidan Lasky, Jason Towindo and Sergei Shcherbakov will play on the South/Central Division team.

87’s owner and head coach Adam Houli spoke about all four players and their selection to the College Series.

“Tyler and Aidan really believe what you put in is what you get out and that is exactly the mentality you need when coming to play for us. Watching them both blossom to All-Stars has been a very fun experience. They work hard on and off the ice to master their craft complete in their surroundings. They are both really good examples of putting development first,” Houli said.

“Jason and Sergei have come a long way in a short time with us, they continued to evolve and are only going to get better by doing what is told. They have really started to believe in our process and in a short time, they have parlayed that into an All-Star selection.”

Branish is in his third year with the 87’s and second season with the EHL team. Starting in 2022-23, he recorded 27 points (5g, 22a) in 28 games with the EHLP team while also spending time with the 18u squad. Last season, Branish had four goals and six points in 29 games with the EHL team.

The Colorado native currently has a goal and four assists through eight games in the 2024-25 campaign, and he spoke about his selection to the main EHL All-Star team.

“It’s a huge honor, we’ve had a slow start to the year but I think I’ve been playing well and I never could have thought I would be here after my first season in the EHLP. It’s been a good journey and I’m excited for this week,” Branish said.

His older brother, TJ, also played two seasons for the 87’s EHL team and was selected to play in the South Division All-Star game against Lebanon Valley College two years ago. Tyler talked about following his brother’s footsteps and the prospect of playing against collegiate programs.

“I think it’s going to be a huge learning point for me, it’ll be good to compare myself to college players and see what the future holds for me, see what I need to work on and get better at, and I think it’s just going to be a great learning experience overall,” he said.

Lasky is in his second season with the 87’s, he recorded 13 points (3g, 10a) in 45 regular-season games with the EHL team last year. This season, the Florida native has five assists through eight games.

He reflected on being a part of the college series and how he hopes it can provide a spark for the rest of the 87’s team.

“Last year, whenever I saw the guys going from our team, I knew I wanted to be like one of them, and coming back this year, trying to get in a role here, I would say it’s quite an honor to represent the 87’s,” Lasky said. “If I could go do something this week and maybe inspire our team, it can get them going next game.”

Lasky will be joined by forward Jason Towindo, who has a goal and two assists through eight games, as well as defenseman Sergei Shcherbakov, who has a goal and an assist in eight games.

“I hope it gives them some confidence; I hope them going will give them some confidence with the puck and they can step up for our team, come back and be that guy that can help us win games. I think once we go, we’ll get a taste of what it means to play at the next level and hopefully we can come back here and put it into work for our team,” Lasky said.

The Mid-Atlantic team, consisting of players from the EHL Central and South Divisions, will face Johnson & Wales University on Wednesday at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, RI, followed by a match against Post University at the Sports Center of Connecticut in Shelton, on Thursday. The Main EHL All-Star team will face SUNY Brockport on Friday and Elmira College on Saturday.