Ranger Will Join Delaware

May 5, 2022

The Norwich Sea Captains of the North American 3 Hockey League are extremely proud to announce that 2001 forward Ethan Ranger has committed to the University of Delaware to continue his academic and hockey careers. Ranger, from Cromwell, CT, will enroll in Delaware’s College of Health Sciences and join the Blue Hens’ American Collegiate Hockey Association Division I hockey program this fall. He was a vital cog in all situations throughout the Sea Captains’ inaugural season, finishing as the teams leading point producer with 38 points in 44 games. Ranger also led the team in assists (24), power play goals (6), power play assists (10) and shorthanded goals (2). He came to Norwich after playing for the Opole Hokej Klub in Poland, but he also previously played in the NA3HL with the New England Knights. In 56 total NA3HL games, Ranger netted 15 goals and dished out 26 assists to record 41 total points.

Ranger made an early impact scoring once and adding two assists in Norwich’s first win in franchise history when the Sea Captains topped the Long Beach Sharks 4-1 on September 26. He added a goal and an assist in the team’s home opener the following weekend as Norwich downed the Bay State Bobcats 6-3. Ranger helped Norwich top Long Beach again on January 17 when he netted the game winning goal and added a helper. Then in his last home game in a Sea Captains uniform on March 4, Ranger scored a power play goal (assisted by his brother Kilian) and assisted Brian Essisng’s game winning goal in a 3-0 defeat of the New Jersey Titans. Ranger was recognized as the Bauer NA3HL East Division Player of the Week on October 19 after a four point performance in two games. He also received honorable mention recognition on January 18.

“The decision to attend the University of Delaware ended up being a no-brainer for me. After speaking with Coach (Todd) Mittelmeier, visiting campus and skating with the team it was clear that Delaware offed me the perfect combination of great academic options in the College of Health Sciences, a fantastic campus and an intense hockey program where players are willing to hold themselves and each other accountable. I am looking forward to contributing to the program and helping get to, and hopefully win, the ACHA National Tournament!” said Ranger.

He continued “My time in Norwich was instrumental in my development as a player and a person. I was able to improve my game at both ends of the ice thanks in large part to developing good habits by working on them every day. Off the ice, our Director of Sports Performance Jenn Tirillo, was an awesome resource. She helped me not only maintain, but improve my health and strength throughout the season. Coach (Kevin) Cunningham was a big help during my college recruiting process as well.”

“I am incredible proud of Ethan and so happy for him and his family that he has earned the opportunity to continue playing hockey in college at the University of Delaware. I have known Ethan for four years and he has continued to grow as a player throughout the time that I have known him by putting in the work required to do so. He is a tremendous teammate who is truly committed to his team’s success. I am confident that he will be a welcome addition to the Blue Hens’ hockey program and that he will continue to make all of us here in Norwich extremely proud as he moves on to college and beyond.” said head Coach Cunningham.

Ranger is the third player from Norwich’s inaugural NA3HL squad to make a college commitment. He joins fellow 2001 forward Drew Schemmel (Lawrence Tech) and 2001 goaltender Patrick Kristo (Kent State) by choosing a school that competes at the ACHA Division I level. The Norwich Sea Captains, who call the RoseGarden Ice Arena home, will begin their second season in the NA3HL in September. Roster, schedule and ticket information for the 2022-23 season will be forthcoming soon.