Former USPHL Premier Elmira Impact high scorer advancing to NCDC level for 2024-25
By Joshua Boyd / NCDCHockey.com
Ethan Ross was one of the leading scorers for the 2023-24 Elmira Impact, and now he’s ready to take his high-octane offense a level up to the National Collegiate Development Conference. Ross, a 2005-born native of Greely, Ont., signed with the NCDC’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights, a perfect example of USPHL Advancement In Action.
Ross scored 20 goals and added 18 assists for 38 points in 41 regular season games, and added a 1-1-2 line in the Impact’s four playoff games.
“I am very happy and honoured to be selected by the Knights,” said Ross. “I am very grateful to be given this opportunity to play at the Tier 2 level, especially in the NCDC, a league that promotes player development and does a great job at advancing players to the college level. This opportunity will allow me to get one step closer in fulfilling my goal of playing at the NCAA level.”
He is excited to work with incoming Knights Head Coach Josh Fusco, who has coached at the NCAA and ACHA collegiate levels plus five years at the Tier II level.
“What I like most about the Knights program is that they prioritize not only good players but good people in their organization,” said Ross. “I look forward to building close bonds with the players and coaches to grow and develop together as a family. On top of this, the Knights have a great training facility with plenty of resources that I am very eager and motivated to make the most of this upcoming season.”
Knights General Manager Andy Scott said that Ross came to his attention while watching the Knights’ Premier team against the Impact.
“I worked with Ethan’s advisor to add him to the Knights’ Main Camp, where he did not disappoint,” Scott added.
He is certainly grateful to the Elmira Impact, including Head Coach Glen Patterson, for giving him the opportunity to excel at the Premier level and earn his advancement to Tier II hockey with the NCDC’s Knights.
“Coming from Ottawa, Canada, last year was my first experience in the USPHL. I was very nervous going into last season as it was my first time moving away from home; however, I quickly realized I had no reason to be nervous because the Elmira Impact players and coaches immediately made me feel welcome, and soon became family,” said Ross.
“I felt my game saw the most improvement of any season this past year, in particular my skating. The opportunity to be on the ice and in the gym everyday was amazing. The well-structured and intense practices of Head Coach Glen Patterson gave me the chance to improve my game day in and day out. He knows the game and I am grateful to have had him as a coach. Having a good group of guys, with the same goals, who push each other is key, and I got that every single day in Elmira,” added Ross.
With the Impact, Ross was able to take advantage of the challenging Premier schedule in an Atlantic Division that included the eventual National Champion Connecticut Jr. Rangers, along with competitive and highly scouted showcases in New Jersey, Michigan and New Hampshire.
“The USPHL Premier gave me the opportunity to be seen and recognized by NCDC coaches and scouts. That is why the USPHL is so great. Having three leagues a part of the USPHL gives players a set path to follow in terms of advancement,” said Ross. “It also allows them to be more easily viewed and recognized by teams at the next level. The organizations with multiple teams at different levels give the players who deserve it the opportunity to practice and even play at that next level.”
Ross has been spending the spring and summer getting ready to make the most of his opportunity to play at the USPHL’s highest level in the NCDC. In order to better catch the eye of college scouts, there were a few items on the development checklist on which he focused, and he hopes to continue to see improvement in when the season begins.
“I am hoping to see big improvements in my skating once again this season. As a taller player, skating has never come as naturally,” said Ross. “I have put a lot of work on and off the ice towards improving this aspect of my game, and I have seen great development. But I know, with the help of the Knights, I can see it improve much more.”
The USPHL congratulates Ethan Ross on making the jump up to the NCDC and wishes him and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights the very best of luck in the 2024-25 season.
