HCRI Forward to join Spartans in the Fall of 2026
WARWICK, RI – Cooper Hall, a forward for HC Rhode Island, has committed to Castleton University for the 2026-27 season.
An ‘06 out of Westminster, Hall has been captain for HRI for the past two seasons. As a rookie last year, Hall collected nine goals and eighteen assists in 45 games before adding another three points in the postseason. He currently sits at 42 total points in 75 games.
“It has been a privilege to get the opportunity to coach a player like Cooper Hall,” said James Mello, Head Coach of Rhode Island. “These opportunities do not happen very often as a coach and I am sure I have learned as much from Cooper as he hopefully has learned from me and our staff. He is a leader, a quality person, a teammate and a friend to all. He will be leaving HC Rhode Island as a better organization than when he came to it in the 2024-25 season, for that we will always be grateful.”
Hall joins fellow Rhode Island captain Austin Haldane in joining Castleton for the upcoming season. They are led by Head Coach Kyle Richards.
“HC Rhode Island has been a big part of what’s shaped me into being the player I am, but also the best human I can be,” Hall said. “The friendships I’ve made with teammates and my coaches wouldn’t be there if it wasn’t for this opportunity and I’m so grateful for that. I want to thank the entire HCRI organization and staff for building a program that stands for something and sticking to their word all the way through. Thank you also to my family who have provided me the opportunity to play this great game. I’m excited to get the opportunity to go to college and receive a great education at Castleton University, while also playing the sport I love, for a program I can’t wait to be a part of.”
“I have done this a long time at every level up through the NHL,” added HRI General Manager Toby O’Brien. “During that time, there are special people, players, and leaders that come along and remain with you forever. Cooper Hall is at the top of that list. During that time period, Cooper has been one of the best, if not the best captain I have had the pleasure of knowing. He, like his co-captain Austin Haldane (also a Castleton commit), are program changers. We have worked hard to stay true to a promise and a way of operating we believe in at HCRI, to make us a better program. Cooper is a big part of that and we thank him for all he has given to us, his teammates, and future players. He is leaving us as a far better program than when he arrived.”
Cooper is the second commitment of the season for HC Rhode Island. To view the 2025-26 EHL NCAA commitments, click here.
