Johnstown Tomahawks veteran defenseman Dusty Geregach has announced his commitment to play Division I hockey at Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA. Geregach will be joining the team immediately after the Christmas break and complete the remainder of the season with the Lakers.
“I’m super excited to get started with Mercyhurst,” said Geregach. “I think it’s awesome that I have an opportunity to make an impact as soon as I get there. As for Johnstown, it sucks that I won’t get to finish the season here. I am so grateful for everything the organization and Mike has done for me. I can’t wait to follow their success the rest of the season.”
Last year in his first season with the Tomahawks, the McKees Rocks, PA native put up 17 points (1G, 16A) in 49 games. So far this season, the assistant captain has seen a massive improvement on the scoresheet, earning 19 points (5G, 14A) in 28 games in a Tomahawks uniform.
Head Coach Mike Letizia spoke about the success Geregach has seen in Johnstown and the improvements he has made, saying: “We knew it was a matter of time for Dusty to receive the opportunity to play Division I hockey. There is no secret that he was one of the top defensemen in the NAHL this season. To see his progression as a U16 player when he first came to our tryout camp in Pittsburgh a few years ago to now has been remarkable. He truly continued to grow and emerge to be one of the best defensemen to have ever worn a Tomahawks uniform.”
Although Geregach will not be finishing out the season in Johnstown, Letizia remains optimistic and proud to see another Tomahawk go up the ranks and play at the next level.
“We will undoubtedly miss [Geregach] here but wish him nothing but continued success at Mercyhurst as he finishes the season with them,” added on Letizia. “I am so proud of him as a coach and couldn’t be happier for him and his family.”