NEWARK, NJ – The New Jersey Rockets are pleased to announce that Eastern Hockey League forward Justin Tiso (Suffern, N.Y.) has committed to Nichols College for the 2016-17 season.

The EHL rookie scored 11 goals in 40 regular season contests, with 4 assists, and added one assist in two playoff games.

“Justin has electric speed, and played an integral role for us this past season,” said head coach and general manager Sean Cromarty. “Adaptable at center and wing, Nichols is getting a self-motivated young man who will be a consistent threat over his four-year college career.”

“I chose Nichols College for its outstanding academics and a hockey program with a winning tradition,” Tiso said. “My year with the Rockets was one of the best of my life. Not only did it turn me into a more developed hockey player, it turned me into a better person.

“The EHL is a great league that prepared me for the next level and gave me the opportunity of a lifetime.”

Before joining the Rockets, Tiso was a standout player for Suffern High School, earning Journal News Player of the Year honors in Rockland County, after a 21-goal, 7-assist, senior season.

Nichols College is a private, four-year college in Dudley, Massachusetts and its ice hockey program competes in the ECAC-Northeast.