By Joshua Boyd / USPHLPremier.com
Two productive years in the USPHL Premier to the benefit of two teams were also ultimately to the benefit of the producer, Lex Roldan. He was able to turn a career of 124 points in 84 career games into an NCAA commitment to SUNY-Morrisville.
“I chose to commit to Morrisville because of the first class facilities they provide for their players, as well as being in the State University of New York Athletic Conference [SUNYAC],” said Roldan, a native of East Aurora, N.Y. “In my opinion, it is the most competitive D3 conference out there. Academically, it is a smaller school with smaller class sizes, which I will benefit from. Coaches Kevin Krogol and Ryan Pascarella made it an easy choice right from the start with their helpfulness and enthusiasm about their program. I knew Morrisville is where I wanted to be.”
Roldan originally joined the Premier with the former Buffalo Stampede in 2022-23, opening eyes with a season of 36 points in 37 games. He decided to make the jump to the Impact and was thrilled with his season. He put up 88 points in a combined 47 regular season and playoff games.
“I can’t say enough good things about the Elmira Impact organization and everyone that plays a part in it. Going into this past season, I wasn’t sure what to expect but it’s safe to say everything exceeded my expectations. I made it clear at the beginning of the year to the coaching staff that Division III was my goal,” said Roldan. “Head Coach Glen Patterson, and Coaches Cam Yarwood, Ben Fleischman, and Matt Maniglia all made sure to push me each and everyday to be better and I could not have done it without them. “
With more than 1,500 NCAA players from the 2023-24 season having previously played in the USPHL Premier, the league is the proven Path To College Hockey, and Roldan knew with hard work and dedication, he could get there.
“The USPHL is the best Tier 3 league in North America. The skill level at the Premier level is amazing and it definitely helped me grow and mature as a player on and off the ice,” Roldan added.
The experience obviously got him an NCAA commitment, but now he has to make good on that opportunity with an intense off-season of work to make an immediate Impact at the next level.
“This summer, I’m making it a goal of mine to work on becoming more explosive in my stride and just stay in the weight room every week,” added Roldan. “I believe with that, everything else will fall into place and translate to the next level. I am extremely excited.”
The USPHL congratulates Lex Roldan, his family, the Elmira Impact and SUNY-Morrisville for his commitment.
