By Alexis Demopoulos
With plenty of years of NCDC playing experience and a lot of hard work, Seacoast Spartans defenseman Jason Shafer is happy to announce his NCAA Division III commitment to Nazareth University for the 2025-26 season.
Shafer, a Westmoreland, N.Y., native, has been playing in the NCDC since the 2021-22 season when he was with the Utica Jr. Comets. He played again with the Jr. Comets during the 2022-23 season, split time with them and the Jr. Bruins during the following season and this year ended up with the Seacoast Spartans. In 54 games played, Shafer had 18 points (four goals, 18 assists) and was a key defenseman all season.
“Seacoast is a well-run organization from their junior team to their youth teams,” said Shafer. “After talking to Head Coach Brett Tryder about their program I knew it would be somewhere I could go and develop while having good exposure to coaches at the next level.”
Shafer started communicating with Nazareth assistant coach James McDonald in late October about potentially continuing his hockey career.
“The coaches felt that I was a solid puck moving defenseman that also contributed in the offensive zone,” said Shafer.
Shafer wanted to go play at a competitive hockey school and when stepping foot on campus, he instantly knew this was the best spot for him to spend the next four years where he could also get a great education.
“What interested me most about Nazareth was the beautiful campus and the strong degree that comes with it,” said Shafer. “On the hockey side they are a good, fast team that plays in one of the best divisions in college hockey. I felt a good buzz on campus and knew it would be a great spot for me.”
Now that Shafer’s junior career is over, and he had a lot of successful years, he is ready to move on to the next level.
“This summer I’m definitely going to be focusing on my overall strength and my defensive zone ability for this upcoming season at Nazareth,” said Shafer.
The NCDC congratulates Jason Shafer, his family, the Seacoast Spartans and Nazareth University for his commitment.
