Alberni Valley Bulldogs forward and assistant captain Cole Poliziani has committed to play for the Trinity College Bantams in Division III of the NCAA next season.
Poliziani joined the Bulldogs this year after being traded from the Chilliwack Chiefs in the offseason and had an immediate impact, finishing second in team scoring with 40 points and chipping in with the most assists on the team with 28. He also had six points in seven playoff games this year, including two goals and the overtime-winner in Game 1 of the Island Division semifinals against the Victoria Grizzlies. The 20-year-old from Burlington Ont. finishes his BCHL career with 67 points in 109 regular-season games over two seasons.
“Cole was a huge part of our team,” said Alberni Valley head coach Matt Hughes. “[He] just kept getting better and better as the season went along and the games got more important. His work ethic and passion for the game are infectious around the rink and he’s going to be an excellent player at the Division III level. We wish him all the best in his education and hockey career moving forward.”
Poliziani is the fifth player to commit to an NCAA program while playing with the Bulldogs this season.
“It’s an honour having the opportunity to commit to such a prestigious school and receive an excellent education while playing for a great hockey program,” said Poliziani. “I would like to thank my family and friends for supporting me over the years and always having my back. I’d also like to thank all my coaches and teammates who believed in me along the way. ”
Poliziani joins a Trinity College program that plays in the New England Small College Atheltic Conference (NESCAC) along with Amherst College, Bates College, Bowdoin College, Colby College, Connecticut College, Hamilton College, Middlebury College, Tufts University, Wesleyan University and Williams College.
Last season, the Bantams finished first in their conference standings and lost to Colby College in the NESCAC championship game.
Trinity College’s 2017-18 roster featured former BCHLers Bryce Eviston, Griffyn Martin, Eric Benshadle, Charlie Zuccarini, Anthony Sabitsky, Nick Fiorentino and Andy Chugg.
Poliziani is the only BCHL player to commit to a Division III school this season.
