The EHL NH Avalanche is proud to announce that veteran forward Nick Ritmo has chosen to continue his academic and athletic career at the University of Southern Maine. The 6'0 195lbs power forward is the Avalanches 7th NCAA college commitment of the 2018-19 season. The Huskies are in the high powered NEHC Div III hockey conference and play their home games at their on campus Southern Maine Ice Arena. The team is coached by Head Coach Ed Harding who is in his 5th season behind the USM bench.
The Nikayuna, NY native played midget 18U hockey for the CP Dynamo before coming to the Avs and is now in his second season in the EHL. In 24 games this season the gritty winger has 16pts and is looking to return to the EHL Final Four again this season before going off to Southern Maine. Nick will be counted on to help his team down the stretch and prepare for next season. "Nick is one of the best locker room guys I have ever coached. He loves the game, loves to compete and plays the game the right way. We count on him in all situations from the PP, PK to defensive zone faceoffs with under a minute to go. I think USM is a great fit for Nick and he is going to be a great addition to the Huskies and to the USM community. He will be missed in our locker room, at our youth skills skates and around our arena. We are very excited about the opportunity Nick earned playing junior hockey for us, we wish him and his family nothing but the best," said Chris Cerrella.
With about 20 games left to play Ritmo has his eyes set on raising the EHL trophy again this season and preparing himself for the next chapter in his life on and off the ice. He has been working hard to get where he is as a hockey player and he has earned his opportunity to play college hockey next season. "It feels like yesterday when I was a young kid wanting to play college hockey and looking up to the older kids, now that day has come for me. I am truly honored to be joining the University Of Southern Maine both on the ice and in the classroom, I want to thank Coach Harding for giving me this life changing opportunity. I want to thank Coach Cerrella for all he has done for me and I would like to thank the entire Avalanche organization. I want to also thank all my past coaches for helping me develop as a hockey player and a young man. I also want to thank my team mates for always pushing me and every day both on the ice and in the weight room. Lastly I wanted to thank my family, thank you for your constant support through they years," said Ritmo.
The Avalanche will begin the second half of the season on Jan 9th as they take on the CT Chiefs at the Ice Den Arena. Stay tuned as there will be other college hockey commitment announcements coming from the NH Avalanche Junior Hockey program. #ROLLAVSROLL
