NCDC Commitments: South Shore Kings’ Bruce Commits to University of New England

By Alexis Demopoulos

A two-year veteran of the South Shore Kings, forward Hunter Bruce has been a part of a winning culture and with the help and support of his team and coaches has earned himself an NCAA Division III commitment to the University of New England for the 2025-26 season.

Last season with the Kings, Bruce was a force and a big part of their Dineen Cup championship team. The forward appeared in 50 regular season games and 12 playoff games, putting up 31 points. His decision to return this season was a no-brainer and Bruce has really found his stride this year.

In 30 games played, Bruce has 28 points (12G, 16A) for the first place Kings, who are 26-2-2.

“The South Shore Kings organization is unreal from top to bottom,” said Bruce. “They offer and provide everything you need and more to be successful, such as an incredible gym, unlimited ice time, and unbelievable staff. The support we get as a junior team, from the lower youth teams is wonderful. The decision to re-sign with the Kings was easy. Winning a championship in my first year just made me want to win that much more. When I heard the coaching staff was returning along with many guys from the team, it made my decision very easy.”

The NCDC played a key part in Bruce’s recruitment process and playing with the Kings for the past two seasons has allowed him to showcase his talents to many college coaches.

“The NCDC is a very competitive league, with players battling each and every night,” said the Dartmouth, N.S., native. “There is no easy night. The multiple showcases a year, along with a 50+ game schedule gives me and the other players lots of time to showcase our talents to college coaches.”

Bruce’s signing process moved quickly as he began communicating with the University of New England in early December. A few weeks later he went on an official visit and he knew it was the place for him. The coaching staff at UNE liked his “playmaking ability, and willingness to play a 200-foot game and also how I played hard in all zones of the ice.”

Bruce envisioned himself playing for UNE and was a big fan of how they are consistently a strong program in Division III. Academically, the school offers what Bruce wants to study, which is sports management.

“When I first visited the University of New England I knew right away this could be home for me for the next four years,” said Bruce. “The campus is unbelievable, as it is directly on the water. It was definitely a sight I could get used to quickly. The rink and locker room, along with the gym and recovery facilities are top notch. I stayed to watch a game after my tour, and the atmosphere was everything I could imagine and more. I also enjoyed their ability to move players on to the next level.”

Before heading to UNE in the fall, Bruce has a few things he wants to continue to improve upon to make him the best player he can be.

“I continue to work on everything about my game each and every day,” said Bruce. “Things that I will focus on before going to UNE in the fall will be my ability to get to the inside of the ice with the puck, and my stick skills, which includes my quick release. I also plan on improving my first three steps in my stride to make me faster.”

Bruce has one last thing he wants to accomplish before heading off to college and that is winning another Dineen Cup with his Kings team.

“I hope to win another Dinnen Cup in the spring,” said Bruce. “We have the group to do it, we just have to go out and accomplish it. Finishing my junior career with two league championships would be unbelievable.”

The NCDC congratulates Hunter Bruce, his family, the South Shore Kings and University of New England for his commitment.