Atlantic Youth Hockey League

Berzolla Commits to Colorado College

Release Date : 12/03/2014

HOWELL, N.J. – The Atlantic Metropolitan Hockey League and the New Jersey Junior Titans are pleased to announced that defenseman Zachary Berzolla (’98 birth year/Howell, N.J.) has committed to Colorado College and Head Coach Mike Haviland for the 2016-17 season.

Berzolla returned to the Titans organization, where he spent the five years of his AYHL career. The Howell native then played three seasons with the New Jersey Devils Youth organization before returning to the Titans, where currently plays for their 18u team, registering a pair of assists in six league contests.

“Berzolla’s was with the Titans from Mites through Pee Wee and returned this year, where he is playing up a level,” said Titans 18u Head Coach and Owner George Haviland. “He’s like family. He grew up here and we watched his development – he’s a dominant force on the ice.”

Berzolla visited Colorado College on November 21 and made his commitment shortly thereafter.

“When I first arrived on campus, I was blown away with not only the facilities, but the location of the campus,” he said. “Head Coach Haviland made me feel at home and after he told me his plans for the future, I knew that Colorado College was the place for me.”

Berzolla played in the 2014 OHL Cup, with the Elite Hockey Group and was then selected by the OHL’s Sudbury Wolves in the OHL’s Priority Selection. Berzolla also was a 12^th round selection by the USHL’s Muskegon Lumberjacks in their 2014 Phase II Entry Draft and then participated in the USA Hockey Select-16 Festivals.

“The OHL Cup is a great opportunity for any kid,” Haviland added. “It was a springboard for Zach to get him on the street. The festivals helped him as well. Once you get on the map for one league, it opens the doors for the others to be interested as well.”

Berzolla sees the ice in all situations for the Titans and is an offensive contributor from the blueline.

“He has uncanny offensive ability,” Haviland added. “He is a gifted athlete that makes plays and has the size, and skating ability, to be a shut down defenseman.

“His upside is off the charts and we are happy that he’s going to an extension of our [family] at Colorado.”

“My wife, Melissa, and I are extremely proud of Zach and the tremendous opportunity for him, not only to play at the NCAA Division I level, but to attend such a great school,” said Fred Berzolla. “We are very proud of the hard work he put in to get to this point.”

“The AYHL has helped kids get deals,” Haviland said. “Both Zach and Ryan Walker played on the 98/98 teams that weren’t always the best, record wise, but through the AYHL competition, it gave Zach [and Ryan] the opportunity to grow.”

“I would like to thank Coach Haviland, Coach [Randy] Walker and the rest of the Titans staff for helping me on, and off, the ice,” Berzolla added. “I also want to thank my parents for always supporting, and believing in, me. I couldn’t have done this without them.”