New Hampshire Avalanche forward Nicolas Coppola has committed to NCAA Division III Westfield State University for the fall of 2022.

The 2001-born native of Glendale chose to come to the Avalanche for the final season of his junior hockey career, and in 21 total EHL games to date, Coppola has four goals and six assists to his credit.

“Coppola has done a great job so far this season for us,” said Avalanche coach-GM Chris Cerrella. “He has some junior experience in the NAHL, as well as other leagues, and was able to gain his college commitment with us in the EHL. I think he is going to add some grit and speed to Westfield’s lineup next season. They are getting a great young man and I know he will be a great addition to the Owls’ athletic and academic communities.”

Coppola said he is beyond grateful for the opportunity and took some time to thank everyone that made this all possible.

“I’ve been looking forward to this day for a long time and couldn’t have committed to a better school,” said Coppola. “I enjoyed my visit. They have a nice campus and a great locker room. I couldn’t be more excited to join the Owls next year. I would like to thank my family and Coach (Jeremy) Goltz for everything they have done. A special thanks to Coach Cerrella and the Avalanche organization for making this all a reality for me. I also want to thank my past and present teammates.”

Prior to the EHL, Coppola spent time with the USPHL’s Pittsburgh Vengeance and NAHL’s Jamestown Rebels.

Coppola and the Avalanche just closed out the 2021 calendar year by winning five games in seven days, including a trio of victories at the Newington Showcase. The impressive stretch improved the team’s overall record up to 22-3-3 for the season, and they are currently tied with the New Jersey 87s for the longest active winning streak in the EHL.

During his youth hockey days, Coppola played for Mission Arizona and was part of the program’s 18U AA team that was runner-up at the 2019 USA Hockey National Championship in San Jose, Calif. He also played for Sandra Day O’Connor High School.

Photo/Dan Hickling/Hickling Images

(December 20, 2021)