By Alexis Demopoulos
Boston Jr. Rangers defenseman Jake McGonagle is thrilled to have announced his NCAA Division III commitment to Misericordia University for the 2025-26 season.
McGonagle, a Rowley, Mass. native, joined the Boston Jr. Rangers NCDC team in mid-December and thoroughly enjoyed his experience. He finished the season playing in 13 games since joining the team.
“I have really enjoyed playing for the Boston Junior Rangers and especially getting to play for Head Coach Rich DeCaprio,” said McGonagle. “Coach DeCaprio gave me the opportunity, and without it, I may not have had the chance to play at Misericordia. I am grateful for him, my teammates, and the organization.”
McGonagle started talking with Misericordia head coach Kevin Cole in January shortly after joining the Jr. Rangers. Cole reached out to McGonagle to discuss the possibility of him playing there next season.
“Coach Cole stated that he was losing some defensemen who played heavy minutes and that he could see me filling that void,” said McGonagle. Coach Cole also said he liked my size and my ability to skate and move the puck.”
When McGonagle stepped foot on campus for the first time, he instantly knew it was the place for him, both hockey-and academics-wise.
“I was interested in the hockey program because coach Cole was honest about his team and his expectations,” said McGonagle. “When I went on my visit and toured I immediately knew this was where I wanted to be. I will be studying history in college and the program they offer is outstanding. I loved the sense of community I felt on campus, being a smaller school classroom sizes are smaller and I enjoy that as well.”
McGonagle also got the chance to meet and chat with some students and players on campus and that made him feel welcomed.
“While touring the campus everyone was welcoming. I met with the Admissions people and they walked me through everything,” said McGonagle. “They stated they would be with me every step of my educational journey. All the students I had the opportunity to meet were friendly and had positive things to say about Misericordia. I also met some of the team on campus and they were all friendly and outgoing.”
McGonagle will continue to work hard over the summer skating at skills and working on his footwork and speed as well as his shot.
The NCDC congratulates Jake McGonagle, his family, the Boston Jr. Rangers and Misericordia University for his commitment.
