Danbury forward Cope makes NCAA commitment
The Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks of the NA3HL are thrilled to announce that Top Prospects forward Brandon Cope has committed to play NCAA Division III hockey for Nichols College in the fall of 2021 and join the Bison hockey program.
The 6’0/180 lbs. native of Tampa Bay, FL, has been an important part of the Danbury NA3HL teams for the past two seasons. Cope, 20, will join former teammate Shane O’Brien, who is currently a freshman goaltender with the Bison, when he enrolls at Nichols.
Nichols is a member of the extremely competitive Commonwealth Coast Conference, where they were conference playoff champions during the 2017-18 season, earning them a bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament.
Cope has been a vital part of the offense since his arrival in Danbury last September. He led last year’s team in scoring tallying 31 goals and adding 37 assists to total 68 points.
The speedy forward was a key in special teams in addition to his excellent play at even strength. He finished the season on a tear, recording 31 points in his final 16 games. This included a two-goal effort capped by the overtime winner in a 3-2 win over the Elmira Jr. Soaring Eagles on January 31st which helped jumpstart his team on a 12-1 run to conclude the 2019-20 season.
Cope was honored by the NA3HL numerous times throughout the season. He was named the Bauer Star of the Week on October 17, the Second Star of the Week on March 10 and received Honorable Mention recognition on February 25. Cope represented the Colonials at the NA3HL Top Prospects Tournament and was selected to the 2019-20 All-Northeast Division Team as well.
This season Cope has recorded four goals and seven assists for a team leading ten points over the team’s first seven games. He was named the Bauer NA3HL East Division Second Star on October 13 after notching two goals and two assists for four points in a 7-6 win over the Northeast Generals on October 11.
“My decision to commit to Nichols was a pretty easy one after visiting the beautiful campus and learning about the school. Everything that I learned about the outstanding academic offerings and culture of excellence established by the hockey program made it clear that Nichols is the place for me! My time in Danbury has been vital to my development enabling me to make this commitment. My teammates and coaches have helped me push myself every day to be the best that I can be both on and off the ice. Their efforts, along with the undying support of my family, have helped me make one of the best decisions of my life: to commit to Nichols College and the Bison hockey program,” said Cope.
“Brandon has done a tremendous job for us during the past year and a half. His speed, skill and ability to create offense have been keys to our team’s successes. He has contributed in every situation, including scoring some huge goals down the stretch for us last season. Brandon’s game has grown a ton during his time in Danbury and Nichols is getting a player who will push to be his best every day. Nichols offers Brandon a tremendous opportunity to get a first-rate business education and play hockey in program that fits him perfectly. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Brandon and his family, as well as my sincere thanks for their steadfast commitment to our program,” said head coach Kevin Cunningham.
Click here for an NA3HL college commitment list
