Avalanche Defenseman to join Blue Jays in the Fall of 2026
HOOKSETT, NH – Ryan Sember, a defenseman for the New Hampshire Avalanche, has committed to the University of Saint Joseph for the 2026-2027 season.
Sember, an ‘06 out of Webster, NY, is a veteran of four seasons in the EHL, beginning in the EHLP, where he earned the honor of Top Defensive Prospect for the 2022-2023 season. He made the jump to the EHL in his second season and was a College Series All-Star this past year. In total, he’s played a whopping 181 games under the EHL umbrella.
“Ryan came to us from another program after spending a good part of four years there,” said Chris Cerrella, Avalanche Head Coach. “He did not have any contact with colleges at all and within weeks of playing with us, he had 4-5 visits lined up and multiple offers. The idea of junior hockey is getting players maximum college hockey exposure, and his play was finally recognized here with us. He is a smooth skating, high compete level d-man and he is going to do well at the NCAA level for Coach Houli. He is a great young man, a good student, and a tremendous athlete. I am very happy for Ryan and his family. This is a great opportunity for him to shine and I can not wait to see how he does over the next four years. I wish him the best of luck in the future.”
As of his commitment, Sember joins ten other EHL players who will suit up for the Blue Jays come the Fall of 2026.
“I am very excited to start my college journey with the University of Saint Joseph,” Sember said. “ I would like to thank God and everybody that has been a part of my hockey journey. The Avalanche have done a fantastic job welcoming me into their family this year and it has been a pleasure to be a part of their community both on and off the ice. I would like to thank Coach Cerrella who has done a great job getting me exposure to NCAA college hockey and opening many doors for me this year.”
To view all EHL NCAA commitments, click here.
