Lake Tahoe Lakers’ McNulty Commits To Western Connecticut State University
USPHL • #USPHLCommitments • Lake Tahoe Lakers’ McNulty Commits To Western Connecticut State University

By Joshua Boyd / USPHL.com
The Lake Tahoe Lakers’ Scott McNulty is truly excited that his future in NCAA hockey is now set.
McNulty, a 2004-born native of Williamstown, N.J., made the first big voyage of his hockey career as he played the full 2024-25 season for the Lakers after a career in the New Jersey and Philadelphia regions. Cross-country mission accomplished, as he was able to earn an NCAA commitment to Western Connecticut State University while with the Lakers.
“I started talking to WestConn rather recently, in the beginning of June to be specific,” said McNulty. “Being patient was a huge part of my process trying to find the best fit. WestConn Head Coach Doug Friedman liked my skill set and scoring ability.”
McNulty will be moving not far from his New Jersey home up to the city of Danbury, Connecticut, to become part of WestConn’s first NCAA hockey team when they begin play in the fall. All the pieces of the puzzle that McNulty was looking for in a program came together at WestConn.
“Western Connecticut was a great fit for me. A beautiful campus, somewhat close to home, and great hockey,” he added. “I’m familiar with the Danbury Ice Arena. I played a game in Danbury during juniors and loved the atmosphere. Being close to a finance hotbed like New York, it is great for what I would like to pursue in the future.”
During his season with the Lakers, McNulty posted 35 goals and added 38 assists for 73 points in 44 games during the regular season. His strong start earned him a spot in the USPHL Premier All-Star event alongside teammate Brian Erte in late January in Foxboro, Mass. (more air miles earned!)
“I could write a book on the things the Lake Tahoe Lakers organization has done for me. I truly believe that the Lakers are the most underrated organization in the USPHL. I admire how they treat their players like professionals and give a top notch experience. From Day 1, they emphasized the word family and that’s what it was,” McNulty said.
“From the rink, to the workouts, all of us living together and the service we did in the community, everything was a family mentality. The location is second to none and you are recognized when you are out to eat, at the gym, etc. The coaching staff turned my game into a 200-foot game preparing me for what’s to come at the NCAA Division III level. I am more than thankful for the impact the Lakers had on me as a hockey player and a person,” McNulty added.
He went on to praise the USPHL and its All-Star event, where he was able to play in front of more than 50 college coaches.
“I previously had a different outlook on the USPHL Premier until I played in the league. I realized how close it is in comparison to other leagues I have played in. There are skilled players and good teams spread throughout the league,” he said. “One event that stands out to me is the All-Star Event in Foxboro. It was a great experience that got me in contact with multiple NCAA Division III schools that I had not talked to previously.”
McNulty has every expectation of going to WestConn in the best shape possible to make the best possible impact on his new team when the fall rolls around.
“This off-season, I’m working on improving my size and speed because I know those are the keys at the NCAA level,” added McNulty. “I’m putting a lot of time into the weight room to add muscle and build explosive power. As for speed, I’m working on quickness in tight areas so I can play fast and create space. I’m hoping to make a difference from Day 1.”
The USPHL congratulates Scott McNulty, his family, the Lake Tahoe Lakers and Western Connecticut State University for his commitment.