NEWARK, N.J. – The New Jersey Rockets are pleased to announce that defenseman Connor Cooley (Simi Valley, Calif.) has committed to UMASS-Dartmouth for the 2015-16 season.

Cooley spent two seasons in the champagne and black after joining the organization from the Breezy Point North Stars (NA3HL) program.

“I would like to thank my parents, grandparents, and awesome billet family for their support in me pursuing my goal of playing NCAA hockey,” he said. “I would like to thank [former] Rockets coach Thornton, and the entire Rockets coaching staff, for giving me the opportunity to play for the Rockets program and for their dedication towards young hockey players looking to play college hockey.”

Over his two-year Rocket career, Cooley dressed for 120 games, spread across the three teams that make up the junior program. Cooley dressed for 79 games with the EHL team, including five exhibition games and two playoff games), 23 games with the MJHL team, including one playoff game and 18 games with the strictly exhibition 19U team. All-totaled, Cooley had 26 points, five goals and 21 assists, including one on the power-play and one game-winner.

“I am looking forward to playing college hockey,” Cooley added. “I would like to thank coach [John] Rolli for the opportunity he has given me to play at UMASS-Dartmouth.”