JOHNSTOWN – The Johnstown Tomahawks, proud members of the North American Hockey League, are excited to announce that leading scorer, Nick Bruce, has committed to play Division I hockey at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in 2017-18.
Bruce, a native of Fall River, Nova Scotia, enjoyed a record-breaking campaign during his first and only season in Johnstown. The 6-2 forward tallied 67 points (27 goals, 40 assists) in 60 games played for the Tomahawks.
His 67 points is a Tomahawks single-season record. Additionally, Bruce surpassed former assistant captain, Andrew Romano, for assists in a season with 40 helpers.
“First and foremost, RIT is a great school academically,” Bruce said. “The school has a passionate fan base, great facilities and a growing hockey program. All of those factored into my decision.”
Located in suburban Rochester, NY., the RIT Tigers compete in the Atlantic Hockey Association and have most recently competed in the NCAA Tournament in 2016.
“They play an open-style of game and that will help grow as a player,” Bruce said. “I think I’ll be able to step in and help right away.”
Bruce also represented the East Division at the 2017 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament in Plymouth, Mich., in February.
“Nick has truly earned his way to this opportunity with his dedication all season long to becoming an elite player for our team and the entire NAHL,” said head coach Mike Letizia. “The ability he has shown to do whatever is asked of him in all situations has been very enjoyable to see as a coach. His game thrived every time he was asked to do more and the challenge seemed bigger. He set a new franchise high for points in a season, and finished third overall in league scoring, which is the highest any Tomahawk has ever finished.”
Bruce played junior hockey in his home province of Nova Scotia prior to being a late-rounds draft selection of the Tomahawks in 2016.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect when I decided to come to Johnstown,” Bruce said. “But I made the right decision. The coaching staff and my teammates have been great and I am very fortunate that they have helped me get a Division I scholarship.”
In addition to his many accolades, Bruce is a five-time recipient of the NAHL’s East Division Star of the Week.
“I have continually felt that Nick would earn his way to a Division 1 opportunity that he deserved, and I am glad that RIT saw what Nick could bring to their program,” Letizia said. “I could not be prouder of him, and our team will look to count on him even more in the playoffs as we pursue the Robertson Cup.”
The Tomahawks host the game one and game two of the 2017 Robertson Cup Playoffs on Friday, April 14 (7:30 p.m.) and Saturday, April 15 (7:00 p.m.). Johnstown competes against the New Jersey Titans in the East Division Semifinals. For tickets, order online at Ticketmaster.com, call 1-800-745-3000 or visit the War Memorial Box Office.