Somerset, NJ – The Protec Jr. Ducks are proud to announce that Junior “A” goaltender Dylan Knighton officially committed to Adrian College for the 2021-22 season. The Bulldogs are members of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) for the Division 1 tier.

The institution is located in Adrian, MI and the Bulldogs play their home games at Arrington Ice Arena. Additionally, the team is led by head coach Gary Astalos and has established itself as one of the top ACHA D1 club programs.

Knighton, 20, and the Bulldogs were in contact with one another after the Pequannock, NJ native’s goaltending coach spoke highly about Adrian.

“I first started talking with Adrian College through my goalie coach Zane Kalembia,” said Knighton. “Zane had nothing but great things to say about Adrian as not only a fantastic school academics-wise but that it was also an extremely reputable and cultured hockey program.”

During Knighton’s first season in the Eastern Hockey League (EHL), the masked man recorded a 4-2-0 record and appeared in nine games. The 6-foot netminder also posted 269 total saves for the 2020-21 campaign.

Prior to joining the flock, Knighton stood tall between the pipes in the United States Premier Hockey League's (USPHL) "Premier" level, while splitting time with the New Jersey Rockets and New Jersey Hitmen from 2018 until 2020.

Knighton also expressed that Jr. Ducks head coach Terry Watt played a key role during the commitment process.

“Coach Watt has been really helpful with me during the process,” said Knighton.

“He is an extremely passionate and dedicated coach and really pushes us to have a hard work ethic to compete to the next level.’ I’m really thankful for the hard work he has put into our organization to make it the best experience possible for all of us.”

Additionally, coach Watt acknowledged Knighton's commitment.

"I am extremely excited for Dylan, and he is joining an outstanding hockey program that competes for a National championship almost every year," said Watt. "Dylan is a great young man and I couldn't be happier for him that he found a spot to call home for the next four years. Our entire organization wishes him all the best moving forward."

The future Bulldog spoke about how “thrilled” he is for the new opportunity and was “honored” that the team invited him for a visit.

“When I visited the coaching staff and faculty were extremely cordial and accommodating.”

Protec is skating in its inaugural season for the EHL and is a member of the league's South Division. 

- Protec the Nest -

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(The Protec Jr. Ducks can be followed on Twitter @ProtecJrDucks)