Johnstown forward Hunter makes NCAA DI commitment

February 9, 2017

The Johnstown Tomahawks of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are proud to announce the commitment of leading scorer, Dalton Hunter, to play NCAA Division I hockey at Mercyhurst University for the 2018-19 season.

 

Hunter, of Greensburg, Pennsylvania., 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, Pennsylvania., 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."