CROMWELL, CT -- Ean Mendeszoon, a defenseman for the Walpole Express, has committed to Nazareth College for the Fall of 2017. Mendeszoon has tallied five points in 22 games this season for Walpole, and that includes the game-winning goal against the Boston Bandits on December 7th.

"We picked up Ean this summer and he has really stepped his game up as a veteran player,” said Express head coach John Lounsbury. “He made an instant impact for our D core and has been a big contributor to our team's success."

While this is Mendeszoon's first season with the Express, it's his third season in the Eastern Hockey League. The 6'5" defenseman played a handful of games combined between the CCHL and AJHL over the last two seasons, but also in that time, he skated in 53 total games for the Valley Jr. Warriors. Mendeszoon knows that his time with both the Warriors and the Express has led to his NCAA Commitment.

"First and foremost, I'd like to thank my parents and family for allowing me the opportunity to chase my dream of playing college hockey,” said Mendeszoon. “I would also like to thank coach Lounsbury for evolving my game to be college ready. I am very excited to take the next step in my life by attending Nazareth.”

As the calendar shifts to 2017, the Express will continue to lean on their big defenseman in the push towards the EHL playoffs.

Read the full commitment story on the official website on the Walpole Express, and check out the full list of 2017 NCAA Commitments.