Over the weekend, the Johnstown Tomahawks tendered forwards Zach Aben and Ryan O’Connell. Both currently play for Mount St. Charles U18 in Rhode Island.
Zach Aben
Forward – Dallas, Pennsylvania
5’10, 185 – 12/12/2003
Mount St. Charles U18
Hickling Images//Dan Hickling
“Zach is someone that we have been familiar with for a few seasons now and have continued to watch develop,” said Head Coach Mike Letizia. “Last season, Mount St Charles played Victory Honda for two games in Johnstown, and Zach stood out so much. He is a relentless player when he is on the ice and has the ability to create offense and be responsible without the puck. Every shift he seemed to be noticeable, and I felt he was hard-nosed around the net. In my eyes, he is a combo of Holt Oliphant and John Gelatt. This year as a senior, he is the captain for the team, which is something we really value. We are extremely excited to add Zach to the organization and look forward to him having a huge hand in the continued success for coach Plante and their team, while eagerly looking ahead to his future in Johnstown.”
Ryan O’Connell
Forward – Mount Laurel, New Jersey.
5’10, 175 – 10/23/2003
Mount St. Charles U18
Hickling Images//Dan Hickling
“Ryan has been a standout this season in each of our viewings with his speed and tenacious pursuit,” said Coach Letizia. “He plays in all situations for coach Plante and has a fantastic work ethic and a willingness to go to all of the dirty areas. Dunk really spoke highly of him every time we discussed prospects, so for us it was really exciting to be able to bring Ryan into the Johnstown organization. We feel he has the ability to come in and impact our team right away next year. We are placing a premium on work-ethic and intensity, and Ryan checks these boxes emphatically. As with Zach Aben, we are anxiously awaiting his arrival in Johnstown next season, while supporting his continued success at Mount St Charles the rest of this season.”