NCDC Commitment Profiles: Hitmen Goaltender Nick Bunch Commits to Skidmore College

A two-year veteran of the Jersey Hitmen, goaltender Nick Bunch is proud to announce his NCAA Division III commitment to Skidmore College for the 2026-27 season.

Bunch, a native of Michigan, signed with the Jersey Hitmen during the 2024-25 season and was a huge part of the team’s success. Bunch appeared in 34 games last season going 19-11-2 and had 2.67 GAA and a .928 save percentage while posting three shutouts. It was a no brainer for him to resign with the team again this season and he has picked up right where he left off. In six appearances so far this season, Bunch is 3-1 with a 2.08 GAA and two shutouts.

“Playing for the Hitmen is such a privilege and you are treated like a professional,” said Bunch. “Coach Toby and Coach Jim have built a winning culture over their time with the Hitmen and it shows. We have access to all the tools we need to get better. From goalie skates to team practices to hockey specific workouts, we always have a way to get better every day. Returning to the Hitmen was a no brainer for me.” 

Bunch started talking with the Skidmore coaching staff last month at the NCDC Hitmen showcase and things moved quickly. 

“We continued to talk over the next few weeks and that led to a visit, which made me decide I wanted to go to Skidmore,” said Bunch.

Skidmore caught Bunch’s eye on both the hockey and the academic sides and he knew long-term it would be a great place for him to find success. 

“What interested me the most about Skidmore was the veteran coaching staff, the facilities and all the opportunities post graduation in both the hockey world and the work force,” said Bunch. 

With his commitment already secured Bunch is excited to have a fun year playing for the Hitmen growing and learning before taking the leap to the college level. But, he and his team have some unfinished business and hope they can accomplish winning a championship. 

“The only thing we have left to do is win a Dineen Cup,” said Bunch. “We came up short in the first round last year and that left a bad taste in all our mouths. We have come back hot and have one goal in mind and that is to be the last team standing in Idaho at the end of the season.”

The NCDC congratulates Nick Bunch, his family, the Jersey Hitmen and Skidmore College for his commitment.