skip navigation

EHL AVS FORWARD BALLAGH CHOOSES SUNY CORTLAND

By Admin, 02/15/19, 10:00AM EST

Share

The EHL NH Avalanche is at it again, as they are proud to announce their 13th NCAA College commitment of the 2018-19 season.  Veteran forward Jake Ballagh has decided to continue his academic and athletic career at SUNY Cortland.  The Red Dragons play in the highly competitive SUNYAC Div III Athletic Conference and play their home games at their on-campus facility the Alumni Arena.  The team is coached by Head Coach Joe Cardarelli who is now is his fifth season behind the bench.  The shifty forward left the South Shore Kings in the NCDC to join the Avalanche with the intentions on drawing college attention and it did not take long at all.  In 25 games since coming to the Avs Ballagh has contributed 11g and 13a for 24pts helping draw attention from a few different schools.  After his final visit to SUNY Cortland, the Buffalo NY native was ready to make his decision on where he wanted to play college hockey.  "Being a NY State inspiring student athlete Jake drew some attention from a few different SUNY schools.  He really enjoyed his visit to Cortland and it was where he wanted to go.  Jake came to us and started contributing right away and we have pushed him to get better every day.  Jake has good offensive skills and a good head for the game I think he is going to be  great addition to the Red Dragon locker room.  He is a good student and a great young man which will also make him a strong addition to the Cortland academic community.  I wish him and his family nothing but the best of luck in the future," said Chris Cerrella.  With about 6 games left in the regular season Ballagh has his eyes on the prize and is set to help the Avalanche defend their EHL title.  Ballagh achieved his dream of playing college hockey and playing in the SUNYAC and could not be more excited about the rest of the season and joining SUNY Cortland next season.  "It is super exciting and humbling to finally reach what I have been working towards for so long.  I could not be more excited to join SUNY Cortland this fall.  I have had so much great support along the way from my family, friends,  past coaches and teammates to help me reach this goal.  I can not thank Coach Cerrella, the Avalanche Organization and my teammates enough for pushing me every day to be the best.  This would not be all possible without this group, they have made this season a blast.  I am so happy I went to the Avs when I did and I am so happy to be part of this team," said Ballagh.  The NH Avalanche continues to produce NCAA College Hockey commitments and still have more to come so STAY TUNED.