The Norwich Sea Captains of the North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) are thrilled to announce that defenseman Chris Hamilton has committed to attend Western Connecticut State University this fall to continue his academic and hockey careers. Hamilton joined the Sea Captains prior to the 2022-23 season after signing a tender with the team in the spring of 2022. During his two seasons in Norwich Hamilton appeared in 88 games. Hamilton scored 13 goals and added 30 assists to total 43 points in the crimson and navy. The 2003 Ridgefield, Connecticut native will major in Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship in the Ancell School of Business at West Conn and play for the Wolves’ American Collegiate Hockey Association Division III program. During the 2025-26 season the Wolves’ hockey program will be elevated to National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III status and they will compete in the highly competitive Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC).
During his first season in Norwich, Hamilton selflessly switched from his natural position at defense to forward. He made himself into an indispensable penalty killer while he netted five goals and added ten assists for 15 points on the season, Hamilton served as a co-captain during his second season as a Sea Captain. Despite sliding back to play defense, Hamilton’s offensive production spiked. He potted eight goals and dished out 20 assists to nearly double his point production from the previous season to 28. Hamilton earned his first Bauer NA3HL Star of the Week honor on October 24 after recording six points during a 3-0 week for Norwich. He recorded single assists in back to back games, a 4-2 win over Danbury on October 18 and a 5-3 win over Long Beach on October 21, before posting a hat trick and adding an assist as the Sea Captains bested Long Beach again on October 22, this time by a score of 6-1. On November 28, Hamilton was again named the Star of the Week after tallying two assists in a 6-3 loss to the Northeast Generals on November 21. He also earned monthly honors as the Joshua’s Worldwide Norwich Sea Captains Defenseman of the Month for October 2023, November 2023 and December 2023 as well as being tabbed as an Honorable Mention for Defenseman of the Month by the NA3HL for the same three months. Finally, at the conclusion of both of his seasons in Norwich, Hamilton was presented with the Ron Watson Award. This award was voted on by his teammates and coaching staff who recognized him as the player who “best exemplified the core values of leadership, teamwork, character and selflessness throughout the season.”
Hamilton shared his thoughts about his experiences in Norwich and his decision to attend WCSU saying, “My time in Norwich was unforgettable. The teammates and coaching staff that I worked with were amazing, They helped me become a better hockey player and a better person. I chose West Conn because it fits me both academically and athletically. I am very much looking forward to the challenges in the next chapter of my life, but I will miss my time, and the people, in Norwich”
“I am very excited, and beyond thrilled, for Chris that he will be able to continue his academic and athletic careers at Western Connecticut. He left a lasting legacy during his time in Norwich as the consummate teammate; one who always put his teammates wellbeing and the team’s success above his individual interests. He is a fantastic hockey player and leader. I am certain that Chris will thrive, both in the classroom and on the ice, during his time at West Conn and I look forward to following his successes from afar,” said head coach Kevin Cunningham.
Hamilton becomes the fifth member of the 2023-24 Norwich Sea Captains to announce his college commitment. He joins teammates Erik Masengill (Maryville University), Jameson Bain (Western Michigan University), Sava Makarenko (Oswego State) and Brian Essing (Manhattanville University) in advancing to college hockey next season. All college commitments are sponsored by Eastern CT Contracting.
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