Eric Buchholz joined the NA3HL’s Helena Bighorns this year to finish out his junior hockey career with a slew of his former Colorado Springs Tigers teammates.

After helping the Bighorns to the Fraser Cup national tournament, the Falcon native used his strong 2021-22 season to advance his game to the college level, recently committing to NCAA Division III Buffalo State College.

“The conference that the hockey team plays in (SUNYAC) and the atmosphere at the school itself definitely attracted me to commit there,” said Buchholz. “Coach (Steve) Murphy contacted me about playing there after the Fraser Cup and we talked a good amount about my future, and I decided that’s where I wanted to further my hockey career and education.

“I’m planning on going there and starting most of the games, leading hopefully to a national championship.”

In the classroom, Buchholz is planning to major in History.

Buchholz had an incredible first season in the NA3HL, posting a 24-2-2 record during the 2021-22 regular season, which included a 2.02 goals-against average, which ranked ninth in the NA3HL, and a .939 save percentage, which ranked tied for second. His performance earned him a spot on the 2021-22 NA3HL All-Frontier Division team in addition to being named to the All-NA3HL 2nd Team.

Buchholz was selected to play in the 2022 NA3HL Top Prospects Tournament but was unable to participate. 

In the Fraser Cup, Buchholz was even better, posting a 6-1-1 record, which included two shutouts at the 2022 Fraser Cup Championship, where he was also named to the All-Tournament Team.

From 2019-21, Buchholz played for the EHL’s Walpole Express after playing his senior year of high school for Doherty High School.

Overall, Buchholz said this past season got him ready to tackle the college hockey game.

“I think being competitive in practice with my teammates and taking one day at a time definitely prepared me for college hockey,” Buchholz said.

Photo/NAHL

— Matt Mackinder

(June 23, 2022)