Four players with Colorado ties who spent the 2025-26 season in the Eastern Hockey League are off to NCAA Division III programs for the 2026-27 season.

Thomas Dell, a defenseman for the EHL’s Providence Capitals, has committed to NCAA Division III St. Joseph for the 2026-27 season.

Dell, an ‘05 out of Franktown, joined the Capitals midseason for his age-out campaign. In 24 games, he recorded five goals and nine assists. Dell played games across three total seasons in the EHL, playing 80 games.

“I’m ecstatic for the opportunity Thomas Dell is getting to play at USJ,” said Capitals head coach Jeff Perreault. “Thomas had a tough last year with a major knee injury and a brutal recovery timeline. USJ is going to be getting a big-statured, physical ‘D’ man with plenty of playmaking skill. More importantly, Thomas is an amazing young man that is full of class and respect. Good luck in college, kid!”

Dell will join Capitals teammate Scotty Moritz as they will both be Blue Jays come the fall.

“I’m excited to pursue my athletic and academic career at the University of Saint Joseph,” Dell said. “I want to thank my parents for all the sacrifices they have made for me throughout my career. I’d like to thank my coaches JP, Ketts, and Stephon in Providence for their support in the final leg of my journey to college. I’d like to also thank my trainers Zach and Matt for all their help this past summer helping me recover and helping my opportunity of playing in the NCAA.”

Back home, Dell skated for the Colorado Rampage.

Thomas Hickey, a forward for the EHL’s Pennsylvania Huntsmen, has committed to NCAA Division III Worcester State University for the 2026-27 season.

Hickey, an ‘05 out of Tempe, Ariz., who spent time during his youth hockey days with the Colorado Springs Tigers, led the Huntsmen in points this year with 28 points. He began his EHL career last year, sharing time between the EHL and EHLP. In total, he played 58 games and registered 35 points.

“I am very excited for Thomas and his commitment to Worcester,” said Huntsmen head coach Zac Desjardins. “He is a very driven young man, and once he came to us a month into the season, I knew we got a player who was focused and ready to put the work boots on. I am sure he will be a great asset to the team and will not only push himself but his teammates to be the best they can be. I wish him the best of luck and look forward to seeing how he progresses at the NCAA level.”

Hickey is the first EHL player to commit to WSU for the 2025-2026 season. He will join double digit EHL alumni on the Lancers, led by head coach Bob Deraney.

“I’m really thankful to be in a position like this, getting the opportunity to play college hockey,” Hickey said. “I’d like to thank my family for helping me reach my goals, as well as the Huntsmen for focusing on my player development. I’d also like to shoutout my former coach Blake Hoffman for working with me this past summer and believing in me. I am excited to bring my game to the NCAA level.

“The EHL really does develop, promote, and advance their players.”

Dominic Bertolino, a forward for the EHL’s New Jersey 87’s, has committed to NCAA Division III Manhattanville University for the 2026-27 season.

Bertolino ranks third on the team in points, posting 12 goals and 34 assists for 46 total points this season. He has competed with the 87’s in the EHL for two seasons. Last year, he helped lead the team to the Mid-Atlantic Conference title and overall playoff championship, contributing a goal and four assists during the postseason run.

This season, the Colorado Springs Tigers alum was named a Week 3 All-Star and also earned Mid-Atlantic All-Star honors for the College Series, adding to an impressive resume with the squad.

“We are very proud of Dom on his commitment to Manhattanville University,” said 87’s head coach Matthew Kiernan. “Dom has been an integral part of NJ 87’s on-ice success over the last two seasons and has been an excellent example of a player who dedicates himself to his team and teammates, both on and off the ice. We look forward to watching Dom compete for Manhattanville over the next four seasons and wish him continued success in the classroom and on the ice.”

Bertolino, a Stockton, Calif., native, reflected on his decision to make the jump to junior hockey and how the experience has helped shape his path to the NCAA level.

“Two years ago, I made the decision to push myself by making the jump from youth hockey to the EHL, continuing my pursuit of playing hockey at the NCAA level,” said Bertolino. “Joining the New Jersey 87’s has been an incredible experience, and I am truly honored to be surrounded by such dedicated and knowledgeable coaches who continually push me, guide me, and help me grow both on and off the ice. Through their support, I have developed not only as a hockey player, but as a person. I am extremely excited and proud to announce my commitment to Manhattanville. I grateful for the opportunity that the coaching staff at Manhattanville has given me, and I am eager for the opportunity to continue competing at a high level while pursuing my education. I am incredibly grateful for my family, teammates, and coaches from the 87’s and throughout the years who have supported me every step of the way.

“I am excited for the next chapter and what the future holds.”

Patrick Crawford, a forward for the EHL’s East Coast Wizards, has committed to NCAA Division III Saint Joseph for the 2026-27 season.

An ‘05 out of Greenwood Village, Crawford has spent the last two seasons with the Wizards. After 15 points in his rookie season, Crawford has now doubled his production with 13 goals and 17 assists in 46 games thus far this season. He also serves as one of their captains.

“As a staff, we could not be more excited for Patrick and his commitment to USJ,” said Wizards head coach Kory Falite. “He’s been a huge piece for the past two years, and especially this year serving as a captain. We are looking forward to seeing his success continue with the next level. USJ is gaining a really good player, but more importantly, a true leader and awesome human being.”

USJ will debut at the NCAA Division III level in 2026-27, playing out of the International Skating Center of Connecticut. They will compete in the MASCAC under coach Adam Houli, former New Jersey 87’s coach in the EHL.

“I’m really excited to continue my athletic and academic career at the University of Saint Joseph, and it’s an incredible opportunity to be part of the program in its inaugural year,” Crawford said. “Being able to help build something new from the start is really special. I’m very grateful to everyone who has supported me along the way, especially my parents, family, friends, coaches, and teammates who have been there throughout this journey. I’d also like to thank Coach Falite, Coach Chiellino, and Coach Popovic for their mentorship and for helping me grow as both a player and a person over the past few years.

“I’m truly thankful for this opportunity and can’t wait to get to campus and get to work.”

Back home, Crawford played for the Colorado Thunderbirds.

Photos/MiaSara McLaughlin

— EHL Staff

(September 24, 2026)