By Alexis Demopoulos
Forward Jake Lindstrom of the Worcester Railers Junior Hockey Club worked hard this season to earn an NCAA Division III commitment to UMass-Boston for the 2025-26 season.
Lindstrom, a Denver, Colo., native, played seven games for the Hitmen during the 2023-24 season before going to play for the New York Apple Core in the EHL. After being in communication with Head Coach Sean Bertoni over the summer, Lindstrom signed with the Railers this season and was a key asset for them all year.
In 54 regular season games, Lindstrom put up 45 points (11 goals, 34 assists) and is thankful for his time spent there.
“I had a great experience with the Worcester Railers,” said Lindstrom. “Coach Bertoni put a big emphasis on preparing us for college and playing a college-style game. He, along with coaches John Fine-Lease and Tyson Araujo, helped me grow not just as a player, but also as a person off the ice. I decided to sign with Worcester this season because of Coach Bertoni. We stayed in touch throughout the summer, and his winning mindset and track record really made me want to be part of what he’s building.”
Lindstrom began contact with UMass-Boston in late February when assistant coach Ty Amonte came to watch him play.
“Coach Amonte was the first to see me play and he said he really liked my skating, compete level, and hockey IQ,” said Lindstrom.
The hockey aspect of the school really drew Lindstrom in, as well as the academics and living in the city of Boston. He liked that downtown Boston was just a few stops away on public transportation and felt like it was the perfect fit.
“What initially drew me to UMass-Boston from a hockey perspective was the beautiful on-campus facility and the program’s strong coaching history,” said Lindstrom. “Head Coach Peter Belisle is now entering his 18th season, which really stood out to me. Academically, I was interested in the variety of business-related majors and the strong connections to the business world that come with being in Boston.”
As the Railers playoff run came to a close, Lindstrom is now heading into the offseason working on becoming the best version of himself before he heads to UMass-Boston in the fall.
“This summer, I’m focused on becoming a more physical player and getting stronger in the gym overall,” said Lindstrom. “I want to make sure I’m fully prepared to contribute and make an impact right away.”
The NCDC congratulates Jake Lindstrom, his family, the Worcester Railers JHC and UMass-Boston for his commitment.
