Sea Captains defenseman Masengill makes ACHA Commitment

The Norwich Sea Captains of the North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) are thrilled to announce that defenseman Erik Masengill will be attending Maryville University this fall to continue his academic and hockey careers. Masengill played two season for the Sea Captains after signing a tender with the team in the spring of 2022. Prior to his time in Norwich, Masengill played for Coppell High School and the Dallas Penguins midget program. He appeared in 101 games during his two seasons in the crimson and navy, including all of the team’s 52 games during the 2023-24 season. During his two season with the Sea Captains Masengill missed just one game. The 2003-born Coppell, Texas native has been accepted into Maryville’s six-year Doctor of Physical Therapy program and will play for the Saints’ American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division II hockey program.

Masengill was a staple in the Norwich lineup for two seasons, helping anchor a defensive corps that cut their goals allowed in each of his two seasons. He netted two goals and added nine assists to total eleven points during his rookie year of 2022-23. Masengill’s offensive production jumped dramatically this past season as he tallied ten goals and dished out 14 helpers to record 24 points while maintaining his outstanding defensive play. He finished his career with 12 goals and 24 assists for a total of 36 points in his 101 games in the crimson and navy. Masengill earned recognition in the Bauer NA3HL East Division Star of the Week program twice during the 2023-34 season, He received Honorable Mentions in back-to-back weeks in February. He scored twice and chipped in with an assist as the Sea Captains swept a three game week from the New Hampshire Mountain Kings February 14, 16 and 17. Then the following week he scored two more goals, including the game-winner in game one, as Norwich completed a key weekend sweep of the New Jersey Titans on February 23 and 24. Masengill also added two assists during the weekend against the Titans. He was recognized as the Joshua's Worldwide Norwich Sea Captains Co-Defenseman of the Month for February of 2024. Masengill was also tabbed as the NA3HL Defenseman of the Month Runner-up for February 2024. In March of 2024 Masengill was selected to represent the Norwich Sea Captains at the NA3HL’s Top Prospects Tournament in Saint Peters, Missouri. He recorded an assist in two games for Team Gold at the prestigious event.

“My time in Norwich was a truly incredible experience. I was able to grow as an individual, a teammate and a hockey player under the coaching and mentorship of the team’s excellent staff. My two years in Norwich allowed me to develop my skillset, to play more efficiently and to integrate myself into a positive team culture. I was able to establish and grow some incredible bonds that I will carry with me forever. I learned from countless amazing experiences that will greatly impact the rest of my hockey career. I will continue my academic and hockey careers at Maryville University, near Saint Louis. Being admitted to their six-year Doctor of Physical Therapy program made the academic opportunity at Maryville ensure that I will get the best of both worlds during my time there; I will be prepared to pursue my career after hockey while playing for the Saints exceptional ACHA Division II program,” offered Masengill about his time in Norwich as well as his decision to attend Maryville.

Norwich Head Coach Kevin Cunningham said “I am phenomenally proud and excited for Erik, and his family, that he will be able to continue his academic and hockey careers at Maryville University. Erik is a tremendous example of what junior hockey can do to help the right player who is legitimately looking to continually better himself both on and off the ice. His admission to Maryville’s six-year Doctor of Physical Therapy is a testament to Erik’s commitment to academic success, but it also demonstrates his mature approach to his college decision and his plans for his future. He will get the chance to play for a very competitive hockey program and simultaneously be immersed in a superb academic program that will lead directly to his desired field of work. I will miss Erik and his family being around every day, but I am so grateful to all of them for their significant contributions to our program and I look forward to following Erik’s collegiate successes from afar.”

Masengill is the first member of the 2023-24 Norwich Sea Captains to announce his college commitment. 

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