JOHNSTOWN – The Johnstown Tomahawks are proud to announce the commitment of leading scorer, Dalton Hunter, to Division I Mercyhurst University for the 2018-19 season.
Hunter, of Greensburg, Pa., is the reigning East Division Star of the Week and is tops on the team with 45 points (24 goals, 21 assists) in 40 games. He is also the team’s all-time leader in games played with 128.
“Mercyhurst is the best fit for me and I fell in love with the school when I visited this season,” Hunter said. “People don’t realize just how strong the program is and they’ve sent many guys to the pro ranks. Committing to Mercyhurst was a no-brainer for me.”
Located in Erie, Pa., the Lakers compete in the Atlantic Hockey Conference (AHC).
Hunter commented that proximity to Greensburg and his future teammates were a big part of his decision to suit up for the Lakers.
“The campus is close to home and when I visited and met with some of their players, everyone was so close-knit,” Hunter said. “They made me feel welcome and I am looking forward to it.”
Hunter was the first player head coach, Mike Letizia, drafted during his first season as the bench boss in 2014-15.
“Whenever one of our players achieves his goal of choosing a Division I program, it’s a great day for the Tomahawks organization,” Letizia commented. “I have been a big believer in Dalton since the day I drafted him in my first NAHL draft back in 2014. I am proud and excited for Dalton and his family on his commitment to Mercyhurst.”
Letizia also said that the Lakers program will be getting “an outstanding hockey player and person.”
“I am honored to have had a small part in his junior hockey career,” Letizia said. “Mercyhurst will have an outstanding player and person when he arrives on campus.”
Hunter and company will take on the division-leading Aston Rebels on Friday, Feb. 10 and Saturday, Feb. 11 at the IceWorks Skating Complex in Aston, Pa.
The Tomahawks are back home for a two-game series with the New Jersey Titans February 17-18 at the War Memorial. Friday, Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m. the Tomahawks host Penguins alumnus Pierre Larouche (courtesy of TUDI Mechanical) to meet fans and drop the ceremonial first puck. Additionally, Friday’s game is Red Out Night presented of HealthCare First Credit Union with fans encouraged to wear red to support heart health.