Rusen Commits to SUNY Brockport

Worcester Railers JHC defenseman John Rusen has announced his commitment to play NCAA Division III hockey at SUNY Brockport beginning with the 2026-27 season. The Jennersville, Pa., native has posted 1 goal and 11 assists for 12 points in 50 games this season, bringing the defensively responsible, two-way game that caught the attention of the Golden Eagles. In his second season with the Railers, the decision to return this year came down to one thing: watching what head coach Sean Bertoni did for his teammates in year one.

The process got underway after the Foxboro showcase, when Brockport head coach Brian Dickinson and associate head coach Brendan Miller identified Rusen as a player who fit their defensive system.

“I started talking with the Brockport coaching staff right after the Foxboro showcase. Both Coach Dickinson and Coach Miller like how I’m strong defensively and have the ability to jump up and add to the rush.”

SUNY Brockport Golden Eagles Hockey LogoA campus visit made the decision simple. Rusen felt it immediately, and two details sealed it.

“As soon as I got on campus I just got that feeling this is the place for me,” said Rusen. “They had the rink on campus and my major I wanted, which is Kinesiology.”

Dickinson has been at the helm at Brockport since 1996-97, amassing more than 200 career wins and earning two SUNYAC Coach of the Year awards. Associate head coach Brendan Miller, elevated to the role in the spring of 2025, won three SUNYAC championships as a player at Geneseo. The Golden Eagles compete in the UCHC, having made the conference move for the 2024-25 season.

For Rusen, the choice to return to Worcester for a second year was driven by what he witnessed Bertoni accomplish for the players around him.

“I think the Worcester Railers JHC is a great place to play and develop both on and off the ice,” he said. “Everything we do revolves around the team. I decided to come back for a second year because after last season, seeing how hard Coach Bertoni worked to get guys committed, I knew I wanted to be part of that again.”

Worcester Railers JHC head coach Sean Bertoni spoke to what makes Rusen stand out as a player and a person.

“John is one of the most mature players I have ever coached. He takes pride in his preparation on and off the ice, a quiet leader. He is an elite skater, a true defenseman.” – Coach Sean Bertoni, Worcester Railers JHC

With Brockport locked in, Rusen has a clear mission for the remainder of his time in Worcester. “I want to help the team go as far as we can in the playoffs,” he said.

The NCDC congratulates John Rusen on his commitment to SUNY Brockport and thanks him for his contributions to the Worcester Railers JHC. The Railers JHC organization wishes John continued success on and off the ice.