By Alexis Demopoulos
A three-year veteran of the P.A.L. Jr. Islanders, defenseman Michael English is pleased to have announced his NCAA Division III commitment to SUNY-Plattsburgh for the 2025-26 season. English, a Smithtown, N.Y., native, is in his third season with the P.A.L. Jr. Islanders organization.
He played 16 games during the 2022-23 season, 47 games with five assists a season ago and returned back this year to finish out his juniors career. In 52 regular season games, English had 25 points (2G, 23A) and has been a key piece of the blue line.
“The P.A.L Jr Islanders organization has always been known and has shown how to move kids up the ladder and develop them,” said English. “I’ve seen it firsthand through my teammates and myself. The coaching staff of Mike Marcou, Frank DiChiara, and Greg Barnych, are a big reason why P.A.L has such a great organization and what got me to play here for three years. How they develop guys on the ice with the high standard they teach makes practices more competitive.”
“After talking to Coach Marcou I knew returning for another season would take my game to another level and create a great opportunity to play high-end college hockey, which it did,” added English. “We have an awesome athletic and strength trainer, Bryce Tolmie. He’s a big part of helping the guys succeed in the gym to perform out on the ice, as well as helping with injuries.”
English started communicating with the SUNY-Plattsburgh coaching staff shortly after the new year and things took off from there.
”The coaches like my two-way defensive game and my skating,” said English. “The most important quality to them was my character on and off the ice.”
English was a big fan of SUNY-Plattsburgh’s hockey program and knew the school would be the best fit for him in terms of academics as well.
“Plattsburgh has always had a long and outstanding reputation for hockey excellence as well as academic strength,” said English. “When I visited the school, I instantly had a good feeling knowing that this is where I wanted to call home for the next four years.”
English is still hoping to finish out his juniors career strong and win a Dineen Cup as his Islanders team is in the midst of playoff run. They currently hold a 2-0 series lead over the Mercer Chiefs in the Atlantic Division Championships.
Before he gets to SUNY-Plattsburgh, in the fall, English plans to keep working hard this off-season.
“I feel that my game can always be improved,” said English. “Focusing on both the offensive and defensive sides of the puck will allow me to be an impact player at SUNY-Plattsburgh.”
The NCDC congratulates Michael English, his family, the P.A.L Jr. Islanders and SUNY-Plattsburgh for his commitment.
