WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ — When all was said and done in the EHLP 2025 postseason, there was only one player with double digit goals.
En route to their EHLP Championship win, New Jersey 87’s forward Chris Erasmus tallied thirteen goals in nine games. He found the back of the net in all but two games, which included a four-goal performance in game one of the championship series. As the 87’s were heralded champions, Erasmus was named to the All-Playoff Team.
“Winning a championship was great but it’s the guys you do it with all year that’s the best part, and when everyone pulls on the rope the ship will set sail. It’s also hard to find and play on a championship team.”
By that time, Erasmus had wrapped up his 86th game in the EHLP. With the experience behind him, and the confidence of leading his team to a ring, he was ready to make the jump to the EHL.
By early January 2026, Erasmus had tallied fifteen points in 24 games of his age-out season, and committed to Misericordia University. He was the first commitment for the 87’s in the 2025-2026 season.
“Misericordia made the process so easy to apply and get in,” Erasmus said. “During the year I knew coaches were going to be watching me, so I just went out and played my game the way I know how to. I did my best not to worry who was watching, and just worried about how I played my role on the team.”
Before he was announcing an NCAA commitment, he was fresh out of American Hockey Academy 18s, looking for a junior team. With college hockey in his crosshairs, he chose the New Jersey 87’s and the EHLP.
“I made the decision because Coach Houli (current 87’s General Manager) saw the potential that I had. I chose the EHLP because I knew it was a place I could grow and do my best to dominate, and then move to the EHL. I figured it was going to be a step up from AAA to junior hockey, but I’d always liked to play up because it makes me play harder and pushes me. College was always going to be my next step after juniors so I can keep growing as a hockey player and a man.”
Erasmus put up 33 points in 37 games his rookie campaign. By his second year, he established himself as a member of the elite in the EHLP. With nineteen goals in 34 games, he posted over a point-per-game before his playoff dominance.
“At the 87s we always say, ‘play to your role,’” Erasmus said. “Once I knew that I could be a key player on the team, I embraced being a leader and a playmaker in the EHLP. That gave me the confidence to go out and control the game at that level.”
Before his thirteen goal postseason, Erasmus also earned an EHL call-up game at the December Showcase. A good “test” not only for him and his ability to jump to the next level, he was able to bring that confidence and a “cooler mind” to his EHLP squad.
With a now seamless transition to the EHL level, Erasmus has established himself as a consistent producer for the 87’s top squad. He credits his teammates and coaches for making the jump smoother, and has garnered some crucial wisdom as he’s climbed the ranks.
“It was all my teammates and all the older guys on my previous teams that pushed me. Showing me that it is possible, as long as you work as hard as you can. The challenge whenever you jump leagues is going to be hard. It’s how you react and push yourself to be able to play at your full potential. The only person that can change your game is yourself with guidance from coaches and teammates.”
