Four California natives who spent the 2025-26 season in the Eastern Hockey League are off to NCAA Division III programs for the 2026-27 season.

Julian Rosenberg, a defenseman for the EHL’s Hockey Club Rhode Island, has committed to NCAA Division III King’s College for the 2026-27 season.

Rosenberg, an ‘05 out of Simi Valley, has played for the past seasons with HRI. After two assists in his rookie season, he demolished that total in his age-out campaign. He scored his first three goals and added nine assists in all 50 games of the 2025-26 season.

“It was an absolute pleasure to coach Julian these past two seasons,” said James Mello, head coach of Rhode Island. “Although he did not wear a letter, he was an absolute leader of our culture and a friend to every person who put on an HCRI jersey – just a guy that makes coming to the rink happier each day. We are very happy for Julian and his entire family and he made the right decision, going to play for a coach who targeted him and told him, ‘I want you to play for me.’”

Rosenberg joins fellow Central Division rivals Gage Winter and Braedon Gallante of the New York Apple Core, who will both be joining King’s this upcoming season. The Monarchs are led by head coach Race Bennett.

“Playing for HCRI for the past two years has been a great privilege, and I am immensely grateful and proud to be able to represent this organization at the next level,” said Rosenberg, who played for the Ventura Mariners and California Heat back home. “I’ve made friendships here that I will carry with me well beyond my hockey career, and I could not be more appreciative of Coach Mello, (GM) Toby O’Brien, Nick, Ian, Jeff, and the entire HCRI family for allowing me the opportunity to do so. This program believes that there is a right way to do things, and my teammates and I have proved that this year. I want to thank everybody who has contributed to my personal development on the ice, but more importantly off the ice, as I am leaving this organization a better person than when I arrived. I also want to thank Greg Pickens, because he is the backbone of HCRI and is everything that embodies what it means to be a good human being.

“Lastly, I want to thank my family because none of this could be possible without them and their unwavering support.”

“Julian is one of the nicest human beings to wear our jersey since our inception,” added O’Brien. “Julian cares. He cares about his friends, teammates, staff and family. His growth as a person these past two years has been so rewarding to see, but beyond that, his growth as a player, especially since the halfway point of this past season has been remarkable. He just hit his tipping point and did not look back. I could not be happier for Julian and his family. He will 100% make the King’s hockey program better, but more importantly, he will make the King’s College community a better place.”

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Dominic Bertolino, a forward for the EHL’s New Jersey 87’s, has committed to NCAA Division III Manhattanville University for the 2026-27 season.

Bertolino ranks third on the team in points, posting 12 goals and 34 assists for 46 total points this season. He has competed with the 87’s in the EHL for two seasons. Last year, he helped lead the team to the Mid-Atlantic Conference title and overall playoff championship, contributing a goal and four assists during the postseason run.

This season, he was named a Week 3 All-Star and also earned Mid-Atlantic All-Star honors for the College Series, adding to an impressive resume with the squad.

“We are very proud of Dom on his commitment to Manhattanville University,” said 87’s head coach Matthew Kiernan. “Dom has been an integral part of NJ 87’s on-ice success over the last two seasons and has been an excellent example of a player who dedicates himself to his team and teammates, both on and off the ice. We look forward to watching Dom compete for Manhattanville over the next four seasons and wish him continued success in the classroom and on the ice.”

Bertolino, a Stockton native, reflected on his decision to make the jump to junior hockey and how the experience has helped shape his path to the NCAA level.

“Two years ago, I made the decision to push myself by making the jump from youth hockey to the EHL, continuing my pursuit of playing hockey at the NCAA level,” said Bertolino. “Joining the New Jersey 87’s has been an incredible experience, and I am truly honored to be surrounded by such dedicated and knowledgeable coaches who continually push me, guide me, and help me grow both on and off the ice. Through their support, I have developed not only as a hockey player, but as a person. I am extremely excited and proud to announce my commitment to Manhattanville. I grateful for the opportunity that the coaching staff at Manhattanville has given me, and I am eager for the opportunity to continue competing at a high level while pursuing my education. I am incredibly grateful for my family, teammates, and coaches from the 87’s and throughout the years who have supported me every step of the way.

“I am excited for the next chapter and what the future holds.”

Back in California, Bertolino skated for Saint Mary’s High School and the Stockton Colts.

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Aidan Neville, forward for the EHL’s Seahawks Hockey Club, has committed to continue his academic and hockey career at NCAA Division III Wentworth Institute of Technology for the 2026-27 season.

The Danville native has spent the past two seasons in the EHL, both with the Seahawks, emerging as a key contributor for one of the East Division’s top-performing teams. His growth from Year 1 to Year 2 has been undeniable. After posting six points (three goals, three assists) last season, Neville more than tripled his production this year with nine goals and 13 assists for 22 points. Among those tallies were one game-winning goal and three short-handed goals, highlighting his impact in crucial moments and all situations.

Seahawks head coach Mark Zaniboni credits Neville’s success to his dedication away from the spotlight as much as his play on the ice.

“We are very excited for Aidan and his family,” said Zaniboni. “Aidan has worked extremely hard in the classroom, gym, and on the ice to accomplish his goal of getting an engineering degree while playing hockey. To me, Aidan is an example of why the EHL is different in such a positive way. Aidan came from a different league with an engineering degree at the top of his list and was able to commit to NCAA hockey and pursue his engineering degree at a top school.”

Neville reflected on the support system that helped him reach the NCAA level.

“First, I want to give thanks to God,” Neville said. “Without your blessings and grace I, would not be able to get to where I am now. I am beyond grateful. I would like to thank my family, especially my mom and dad, for the countless sacrifices you have made for me and the constant support. I could have never done it without you. To my coaches and mentors throughout my hockey career, through your guidance I have been able to grow both on and off the ice.

“Thank you to the Seahawks organization, Coach Zaniboni, Coach Richard, and Coach Gustin. The last two seasons have been awesome. Thank you for developing me into an NCAA-caliber player. Lastly, I want to thank Coach Pecora for this opportunity at Wentworth. I could not have asked for a better situation for the next four years. I’m pumped to continue my academic and hockey career at WIT.”

Back home, Neville played for the San Jose Jr. Sharks, Tri-Valley Blue Devils and Monte Vista High School.

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Jack Kovacs, forward for the EHL’s Seahawks Hockey Club, has committed to NCAA Division III Framingham State for the 2026-27 season.

An ‘05 out of Capistrano Beach, Kovacs is a longtime player in the EHL and a product of the league’s ladder of development, climbing from EHLP to EHL and now to NCAA hockey. After a dominant season at the Premier level, Kovacs has now spent the last two seasons at the EHL level.

In total, he has played 112 games under the EHL umbrella and has amassed 72 points.

“We are very happy to announce that Jack has committed to play college hockey at Framingham next season,” said Seahawks head coach Bill Zaniboni. “Jack is such a great person, extremely coachable, and a true competitor. He’s grown so much since the start of the season and is ready to make the next step in his career.”

Kovacs is the first Seahawk to announce his commitment this season and will join several Seahawks alumni with the Rams.

“My commitment to Framingham State University is the result of an environment that made me feel welcomed and supported from Day 1,” Kovacs said. “Coming from a different club, I immediately felt like part of the culture and family of the Seahawks Hockey Club. Coach Zaniboni, Coach Richard and Coach Gustin each played a major role in my development, constantly pushing me on and off the ice and guiding me through the recruiting process.

“Their belief in me and the support of the Seahawks Hockey Club helped shape me as a player and ultimately made my commitment to Framingham State possible.”

Back home, Kovacs skated for the Anaheim Jr. Ducks, Anaheim Ice Dogs and Capistrano United High School.

Photos/MiaSara McLaughlin

— EHL Staff

(September 1, 2026)