The NH Jr Avalanche EHL team is proud to announce their 19th and final NCAA commitment of the 2017-18 season.  Forward John Scala has decided to continue his academic and athletic career at Middlebury who is a part of the high powered NESCAC Div III hockey conference.  The Panthers play their games on campus at the Chip Kenyon Arena and they are coached by Head Coach Neil Sinclair who is in his 4th season behind the bench for Middlebury and in his 14th season overall.  Scala began the season with the NCDC PAL Islanders before looking for a new home to continue his quest for college hockey.  The Massapequa, NY native came to the Jr Avalanche in October and immediately made an offensive impact.  In just 26 games played on the season Scala scored 15 regular season goals (3rd on the Avs) and finished with 26 total points.  The crafty forward also contributed some powerful offense in the teams quest for their EHL championship as he contributed 5pts in 6 playoff games and helped the Jr Avs raise the trophy in the EHL Finals.  "Scala has a lot of offensive talent, he has a good skill set and he can shoot to score. We did a lot of work on his play away from the puck since he arrived in October and if he continues to develop that he will score some goals for Middlebury in the years to come.  I am very proud of John and his accomplishments he is one of the most respectful and coach-able players that I have had the pleasure of coaching.  I think he is going to be very successful on the ice and in the classroom over the next four years.  I wish him and his family the best of luck as he heads to the next chapter of his life," said Chris Cerrella.  Scala is very excited about his decision to join the Avs and is very excited about being able to not only play for Middlebury but to attend such an outstanding academic school as well.  "I would like to thank my entire family for all their support over the years and giving me the opportunity to play junior hockey in order to reach my dream of playing college hockey.  A special thanks to Coach Cerrella for believing in me and bringing me in this season and pushing me every day to improve.  Also a thanks to Assistant Coach/Owner Mario Martiniello and the entire Avs organization for helping me prepare for the college level on and off the ice.  I am very excited to continue my academic and athletic career at such a prestigious school like Middlebury and I can not wait to be part of their student community and one of Coach Sinclairs student athletes.  I am very excited to be part of the Middlebury team, GO PANTHERS," said Scala.  With the 19th NCAA commitment finally announced the EHL Jr Avalanche staff is looking forward to building their 2018-19 team and the success of this season players will sure be helpful in their quest to defend their EHL Title in 2018-19.