Worcester Railers JHC’s McLachlan Commits To Elmira College

By Alexis Demopoulos

Through a lot of hard work and determination, Worcester Railers Junior Hockey Club defenseman John McLachlan is excited to announce his NCAA Division III commitment to Elmira College for the 2025-26 season.

McLachlan, a Fairport, N.Y., native, played in 49 regular season games for the Railers during the 2024-25 season tallying 20 points (three goals, 17 assists) and was a key defenseman for them. He had a great experience playing in Worcester as head coach Sean Bertoni really helped him up his game to play at the next level.

“I loved all aspects of playing in Worcester,” said McLachlan. “Coach Bertoni and the coaching staff really helped take my game to the next level and prepare me for the college game. Coach Bertoni’s attention to detail and structure helped not only me but also my teammates reach the playing level by the end of the year that we needed to make a late push and achieve the success we did come playoff time.

“I had heard great things about the organization as a whole and heard Coach Bertoni really helped push players to get to where they wanted to go in terms of playing college hockey,” McLachlan added. “I also had many friends who I had played with in the past on the Railers team.”

The Elmira coaching staff liked McLachlan’s game at both the prep and junior levels and he officially began contact with them in the fall of last year.

“They really liked my skating abilities and the way I saw the ice as an undersized defenseman,” said McLachlan. “Playing both power play and penalty kill as well as being a player who could play in any situation was something they really liked. They also liked how I was a defenseman who could add offense on the rush.”

There were many factors that went into McLachlan picking Elmira College. He liked how it was close to home, so family and friends could come watch, their successful hockey program and top notch academics.

“What interested me about the program at Elmira first was their consistent success in the past on the ice and the rich tradition the program has in New York, being from the state,” said McLachlan. “Their combination of facilities and what they offer for players who attend the college really spiked my interest and gravitated me towards the program. Also the proximity to home being only two hours away was a great fit for me and my family, as well as getting a respected education in the state of New York.”

McLachlan really enjoyed the campus when he visited and is familiar with a number of people who attend there.

“When visiting campus and going on my tour there were many things I found familiar and enjoyed about my experience,” said McLachlan. “It was very similar to the size and feel in which I attended prep school.

“It seems like the community as a whole really loves hockey in Elmira and that was similar to where I had been in the past for prep school and juniors,” he added. “Also, I had played with many freshmen on this past year’s team I had played with before whether it be growing up or in juniors along the way.”

McLachlan is spending his time this offseason taking his game to the next level and working on some things that Elmira Assistant Coach Mike Grace suggested to him.

“I’m really excited to push myself and advance my game to the next level next year in all aspects of being a hockey player,” said McLachlan. “The faster speed I think will be good for my game and I look forward to becoming a more well-rounded player at the next level. As well as coach Grace would like me to bring a more offensive side to help round out their defensive core with all types of players.”

The NCDC congratulates John McLachlan, his family, the Worcester Railers JHC and Elmira College for his commitment.