By Alexis Demopoulos
Forward Justin Massa knew that joining the Worcester Railers Junior Hockey Club this season would put him in a good position to get recruited and that is exactly what happened as he has officially earned himself an NCAA Division III commitment to Nichols College for the 2025-26 season.
Massa, who played for Berwick Academy last season putting up 39 points, signed with the Railers this season and has been a key part of their offense. In 38 games with Worcester this season, Massa has 18 total points (eight goals, 10 assists). Massa is also grateful to get the experience playing in the NCDC as it has pushed him to become a better player.
“I have enjoyed my time with the Railers this season,” said Massa. “We are lucky to play out of such a nice rink and have access to a great gym and shooting area. I signed with the Railers because I knew it was where I would develop and give myself the best chances at a college commitment. With 15 commitments last year alone, I was confident that the coaching staff would help me get a commitment.”
Massa started communicating with the Nichols coaching staff in late September. He was able to establish a relationship with them and they were able to come see him play on multiple occasions.
“With Nichols being just 30 minutes away from Worcester, the coaches were regularly at our games,” said the Saint-Constant, Que., native. “They liked my compete level and skill and I then received an invitation to tour campus.”
Massa was drawn to Nichols for a number of different reasons. He loved the campus, the competitiveness of the hockey team and academically he could get a good education where he plans on majoring in finance.
“I was interested in Nichols because of their great campus, competitive hockey team, and strong business programs,” said Massa. “I will major in Finance and be provided with valuable internship opportunities. Speaking with students and faculty during my tour gave me a good feeling that Nichols would be a great fit as everyone was super nice and welcoming.”
Massa is great at protecting the puck from opposing players as has a high compete level to win battles with and without the puck. Along with these things Massa is working hard to be the best version of himself before he heads to Nichols next season.
“I’m continuing to work on my 200-foot game,” said Massa. “I want to be a reliable center at the collegiate level who can be on the ice when the team needs a goal or when they need to defend a lead. For that to happen, I’ll need to continue learning and focus on getting stronger and faster over the summer.”
With the Railers playing well as of late currently standing with a 17-17-3 record and making a playoff push, Massa hopes to win a championship with his teammates.
“I want to win a championship,” said Massa. “With my commitment secured, I’m focused on pushing myself and my teammates so that we are at our best come playoff time.”
The NCDC congratulates Justin Massa, his family, the Worcester Railers Jr. Hockey Club and Nichols College for his commitment.
