Espanola Express to Bethel
1996 birth year defenseman Riley Tilot is moving on from the Espanola Express of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League to the Division 3, National Collegiate Athletic Association program at Bethel University.
Bethel University is located in Arden Hills, Minnesota and its hockey team is known as the Royals.
Tilot, who played in 110 NOJHL games over the past two seasons, becomes the third player from Espanola to get an NCAA commitment during this off season.
“I can’t thank my family, the fans, my amazing billets and the town of Espanola enough for all of their great support over the last two years,” commented Tilot.
“I would also like to thank the coaches and staff for taking me in and pushing me to be the best player I could be. Their commitment to developing me as a player and person on and off the ice was second to none. Thanks to them I’m ready to continue my hockey and educational career at Bethel University where I will get to study athletic training,” added Tilot.
Espanola general manager Chad Clarke sang words of praise for his graduated defender.
“The Royals are getting a workhorse in Tilot, who is an amazing young man. I am quite frankly proud to have known Riley and call him an alumni of the Express,” boasted Clarke.
“Riley will be an incredible addition to the Royals lineup. I have absolutely no doubt he will have great success with his future educational and scholastic endeavors at Bethel University and in life for that matter,” added Clarke.