Eric Buchholz is playing his first full season for the EHL’s Walpole Express, and after the first half, his play is getting noticed.

Earlier this week, the 2001-born Peyton native committed to play NCAA Division III hockey next fall at Rivier University.

Rivier is located in Nashua, N.H., and will play its inaugural season starting with 2021-22.

“Rivier has the major that I wanted to pursue, and Coach (Eric) Sorenson made me feel comfortable about the situation by giving me a better understanding on the college process,” said Buchholz, who played for the Colorado Springs Tigers and at Doherty High School prior to junior hockey. “The academics were also a big part of the process because my parents and I were focused on that as much as the athletics.

“Playing for Walpole for the past two years has prepared me as a hockey player and as a person. Coach (Cody) Campbell has helped me tremendously in developing me on and off the ice. I have learned so much from him over the past few years. He’s helped me focus on my game and made sure I stay on track and focused day in and day out. Also, being in a billet family the past two years made me focus on becoming an adult while focusing on hockey.” 

Campbell, himself a Colorado Springs native, said Buchholz always had a college commitment at the top of his priorities.

“Eric has stayed so committed to the process over his two seasons here,” said Campbell. “He came here last year as our No. 3 goalie knowing he was going to get very limited, if any, playing time. He stuck to the process, worked every day, and positioned himself to have a really good season this year. This season, Eric has been reliable and consistently calms things down when he’s in the net for our team.

“I couldn’t be more proud of Eric and his trust in our culture.”

(Jan. 11, 2021)