SHEWSBURY, N.J. – The ECHL announced on Wednesday the second class of five recipients of scholarships through Bellevue University, the Official Higher Education Partner of the ECHL.

As part of the recently extended partnership, all ECHL players, officials, staff and employees were eligible to apply for a scholarship to start or finish a bachelor’s or graduate degree program of their choice at Bellevue University.

The 2022-23 class of scholarship recipients includes:

• Alex Cousineau, Assistant Coach - Trois-Rivières Lions (Graduate Degree)
• Matthew Heinen, Linesman - ECHL (Graduate Degree)
• Kyle Neuber, Player - Florida Everblades (Graduate Degree)
• Nelson Roetter, Ticket Sales Account Executive - Indy Fuel (Graduate Degree)
• Zachary Walker, Player - Idaho Steelheads (Graduate Degree)

“The ECHL and Bellevue University partnership continues to enhance our League and give an opportunity to personnel in various positions around the ECHL to enhance their education,” said ECHL Commissioner Ryan Crelin. “Building off the success of the first class of scholarship recipients, this program and the flexibility of the Bellevue University class schedule allows our personnel to focus on their ECHL goals, while also furthering their academic aspirations as well.”

“Working with the ECHL is powerful.  The individual aspirations of these players and sports professionals are being met on the ice and in the classroom,” said Bellevue University President Mary Hawkins. “We look forward to this ECHL class joining our diverse community of learners and earning their graduate degrees.”

About the ECHL

Formed in 1988-89 with five teams in four states, the ECHL has grown into a coast-to-coast league with 28 teams in 20 states and two Canadian provinces for its 35th season in 2022-23. There have been 734 players who have gone on to play in the National Hockey League after starting their careers in the ECHL, including seven who have made their NHL debut in the 2022-23 season. The ECHL has affiliations with 28 of the 32 NHL teams in 2022-23, marking the 26th consecutive season that the league has affiliations with at least 20 teams in the NHL. Further information on the ECHL is available on its website at ECHL.com as well as on Twitter and Facebook.

About Bellevue University

Founded in 1966, Bellevue University is a non-profit university with nearly 60,000 graduates worldwide. The University is a recognized national leader in preparing students for lifelong success with career-relevant knowledge and skills, while making college affordable. Routinely ranked among the nation’s top military and accessible institutions, the University serves residential students at its main campus in Bellevue, Nebraska, and everyone online with more than 80 degree programs uniquely designed for working adults. The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org).