The EHL NH Avalanche is proud to announce their 18th NCAA College Commitment as veteran forward Derek Tillotson chooses University of Southern Maine.  Southern Maine plays in the high powered NEHC Div III hockey conference and platy their home games at the on campus USM Ice Arena.  The Huskies are coached by Head Coach Ed Harding who is in his 4th season behind the bench.  The crafty forward began the season in the USPHL and came to the Avs where he contributed 18pts in 19 games and was a big part of the Avs offends during the regular season and the playoffs.  "When Derek puts his mind to it he is a very good player.  He has skill, he competes and he is a very smart player with and without the puck. I think USM and Coach Harding is a great fit for Derek and I think he will do a great job for the Huskies next season.  I wish Derek and his family the best of luck," said Chris Cerrella.  Tillotson in his second season in the EHL has won a Championship and is very happy about the college opportunities that the Avs and the EHL has given him.  The Bow NH native is very excited about the next four years at the University of Southern Maine.  "I would like to first thank the NH Avalanche organization for this entire season.  I made so many life long friends and memories on this journey to college hockey.  The organization took me in halfway through this season and they made me feel like I was there from the beginning.  Thank you Coach Cerrella for always pushing me to be better, not only me, but our entire team as a unit on and off the ice.  Winning the EHL Championship this season was the best way to cap it off and its all due to the coaching staff and the front office there is no better staff out there.  I have played in the EHL for the past two seasons and have had an unforgettable time.  The League promotes player development and is one of the best at college placement.  The Avs is a great place to play if you want to play college hockey they helped me achieve my goal.  Thank you Coach Harding at the University of Southern Maine for giving me this opportunity to become a Husky, I am very excited about becoming a student athlete in the fall.   Lastly I would like to thank my family who have supported me throughout my academic and athletic career.  I can not put into words what they have done for me, I wouldn't be where I am today without them," said Tillotson.  With a few weeks in his off season Tillotson will begin his journey to the academic and athletic world on the campus of the University of Southern Maine and the Avs family wishes him the best of luck.