GORSCAK CLUTCH PLAY!
Veteran forward coming up big for Hawks!
The Tomahawks are off to a great start again this season, posting a 15-7-2-2 record through the first 26 games, including a pair of OT wins this past weekend over a tough division opponent, the Maryland Black Bears.
Third year forward #16 Christian Gorscak has been a major reason for the Hawks’ success so far. With a team-leading 28 points (10 goals and 18 assists), it’s safe to say he has been a catalyst for the team. He’s scored at least once in each of the team’s last five games and added four assists in that same span, including the OT winning assist in the 5-4 win on Friday night and the OT winning goal in the 5-4 win on Saturday.
In addition to being a top player for the Hawks, Gorscak recently signed his letter of intent to play Division 1 hockey for the Niagara University Purple Eagles.
“I’m just so grateful for the opportunities that the organization and coaching staff has given me over the last three seasons.” Gorscak said. “Wearing this jersey is an honor and being surrounded by great teammates makes it fun every day!”
The Jeannette, PA native has already eclipsed his point total from last season, where he scored 24 points (10 goals and 14 assists) in 55 games.
This year he’s been a major contributor, scoring 3 game-winning goals. He attributes his early season success to confidence he’s gained from being there so many times before.
“I think my first year coming in as a 16 year old, I was so timid and so scared of making a mistake.” Gorscak said. “Then, going into this year having all that experience under my belt, I’m more comfortable and it allows me to calm down and play with composure”
With 130 games played since his 2017-18 rookie season, Gorscak is now 6th on the all-time games played list behind Mitch Hale (167), Chris Trouba (162), Joe Kile (148), Dalton Hunter (146), and Sam Solensky (134). Gorscak said that it’s cool getting to compete with players day in and day out and see them move on and succeed at the next level.
“I definitely find motivation in the success of past teammates that succeed at the next level.”
It’s really no surprise that Gorscak is among the best hockey players in the NAHL this season. “We’ve been watching Christian develop since he was 14 years old with our affiliate program, the Esmark Stars in Pittsburgh.” said head coach Mike Letizia. “He’s been progressing really well and he’s earned every opportunity along the way.”
Gorscak is now getting regular shifts on the power play, and he’s tied with Gallagher and Stockdale for a team-leading 11 PP points each. This has helped the Tomahawks power play become the 3rd best in the entire league with 29.8%, behind only the division rival Knights (34%) and Titans (33.8%). It is also way above league average of 18.3%.
Aside from his early on ice success, Gorscak is embracing his new leadership role off the ice as well. “We have a lot of new faces in the locker room this season, but we’ve managed to continue the solid foundation left by last season’s leaders.” Gorscak admits “Guys like Hebert, Briere and Solensky had a tremendous impact on me and I was able to grow and learn under their leadership.”
Gorscak now sits only five points behind the league scoring leader as the Hawks travel to Jamestown (8-15-0-2) this weekend. Catch #16 and the rest of your Tomahawks on Hockeytv.com.