The NH Avalanche is proud to announce that veteran dman Niks Krollis has decided to continue his academic and athletic career at Norwich University. Norwich who is currently ranked 8th in the country at the Div III college hockey level plays in the NEHC hockey conference. The Cadets play their games at the on-campus 2,000 seat Kreitzberg Arena and are coached by Head Coach Cam Ellsworth who is in his first season as the Cadets bench boss. Norwich has won 4 NCAA Div III National titles including their last one in 2017.
Krollis returned for his second season with the NH Avalanche after having a very successful first season in the EHL. The Riga, Latvia native was a big part of the 2017-18 EHL Championship team. So far this season the shifty dman has been slowed a bit by injury playing in 9 games and has 9pts. "Niks is in my opinion the best offensive-defenseman in the EHL. He skates very well,sees the ice very well and is very dangerous when he has the puck. He has done a great job for us over the last two seasons and I am very happy for him. Norwich University was a perfect fit for Niks both on the ice and in the community. He found exactly what he was looking for and felt very comfortable with the coaching staff and the Norwich community. I think Niks is going to be a great addition to the Norwich campus and to the Cadets locker room. I wish him and his family nothing but the best in the future, I could not be more proud," said Chris Cerrella.
With 28 games remaining in his Junior Hockey career Krollis will be focused on helping get the Avalanche back to the EHL finals. He is very excited about the remainder of the season and is very excited about the opportunity at Norwich University. "I am very excited to be joining the Norwich University community next fall. It was a great fit for me both on and off the ice and I felt very comfortable on my visit. I want to thank the entire Norwich staff for giving me the opportunity to earn my college degree and play for a great hockey program. I want to thank Coach Cerrella and the entire Jr Avalanche staff for believing in me and helping me every step of the way. I want to thank my billet family Brian and Jenn Saucier for everything they have done for me over the last few years. Lastly I would like to thank my mom and dad for all their support from Latvia and for always supporting me through my hockey journey. I am very excited to be a part of Norwich University next fall," said Krollis.
This is the Avs third college commitment of the 2018-19 season, please check back soon for more player commitment announcements.
