EXTON, PA — After losing his junior year of high school hockey due to injury, Cullen Heintz knew he wanted to make up for that lost year.
Playing high school hockey in Skaneateles, NY, the defenseman was a part of two state championship winning seasons. A town where he describes hockey as a “religion,” Skaneateles has produced many players who move on to higher levels including Heintz’ brother, Cole, a champion in the EHL.
Before Skaneateles, Heintz played youth hockey for the Exton Kings in Pennsylvania, where he lived until seventh grade. There he played under Zach Overholtzer, current General Manager of the Pennsylvania Huntsmen.
“He and I reconnected at the EHL Combine in Walpole and the Huntsmen signed me soon after,” Heintz recalls. “Being familiar with the area, rink, and management, I felt it made for a good landing spot.”
Heintz made the most of his single season in junior hockey, practicing with both the EHL and EHLP teams. Adjusting to a heavy on-ice schedule, workouts, cooking, sleeping, and more, Heintz learned valuable lessons in time management.
On the ice, Heintz was an impact player. He recorded eight goals and fourteen assists in all 42 regular season games. He even earned an EHL call up.
“As a player, my skillset grew through competitive practices and games against older, stronger, and faster players. Earning the coaches’ trust to play in all situations grew my confidence. My focus and leadership ability grew and I was honored to be selected alternate captain.”
Having been accepted into the Rochester Institute of Technology during his senior year of high school, Heintz was permitted to defer a year for junior hockey. In addition, he would have the opportunity to try out for their ACHA Division I team. Coming from the EHL and EHLP, Heintz was confident he’d have a “good shot” to make the team.
After a successful tryout, Heintz made the team. Through thirteen games as a freshman, he has collected a goal and four assists, good for second amongst defenseman in points on RIT’s roster.
“I had to try out for the team and from there, earn a spot in the lineup,” Heintz said. “Our team is on the younger side and working hard during the practices and learning new systems has helped me get into the top four. The pace is fast and there are a lot older, stronger players. Our system allows us to be more offensive and has helped me to be able to put up some points.”
Whether it’s managing a jam-packed schedule or competing at every practice, Heintz carries his lessons from junior hockey as he continues his journey as an example of the EHLP’s path to ACHA hockey.
