Northeast defenseman Rowland makes NCAA commitment
June 26, 2019
The Northeast Generals of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are pleased to announce that Top Prospects defenseman Ryan Rowland has committed to play NCAA Division III hockey at UMass-Boston.
Rowland, 21, came to the Generals after signing a tender agreement before the 2017-18 season. His addition proved pivotal in helping turn the Northeast Generals into a contender.
The 6’0/198 lbs. native of Manahawkin, New Jersey, was a steadying force on the blue line in 2017-18, bringing his physical style and shut down D to a team that really needed it. In 2018-2019 Rowland dramatically improved his offensive game while still providing his usual great D.
In total Ryan played 113 Regular Season games, 10 playoffs games and was named to the 2019 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament East Division team.
He leaves the Generals with many records including as the all time leader in scoring for a D man with 46 points. Including his 32 this past season. He is also 3rd all time in Penalty Minutes, and 7th in Games played.
“Ryan was exactly what we needed. He was a shut down D, extremely physical and added offense from the blueline. And he is a great kid. He is going to be very hard for us to replace as his skating and physicality was something that was among the best in the league. We are really excited that he choose to stay close to us in Boston so we can get to see him play a lot next year,” said Generals GM Bryan Erikson
Head Coach Joe Lovell added, “UMass-Boston is getting a great player and a great kid. He was consistently one of the best D men on the ice and his combination of skating ability and use of his body was great. And his improvement on the offensive side was nothing short of amazing. Going to miss Ryan. We wish him the best going forward.”
UMASS plays in the NEHC (New England Hockey Conference) which is one of the most competitive Conferences in NCAA D3 Hockey. Last season their finished ranked 12th in the nation. Ryan is the 4th General in the past 2 years to join the Beacons. Ryan joins current teammate Ryan Bogan and past teammates Jeffrey Skinner and Patty Harrington.