Johnstown, Top Prospects forward Briere makes NCAA DI commitment
February 21, 2019
The Johnstown Tomahawks of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are pleased to announce that 2019 NAHL Top Prospects forward Carson Brière has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for Arizona State University for the 2020-21 season.
The 5’9/175 lbs. native Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has collected a record 34 goals this season with 39 assists for 73 points on the year. He currently sits in third among the NAHL's leading scorers and has tallied a league-best 23 goals on the power play. Briere, 19, was named the NAHL’s Forward of the Month for November,].
Additionally, he competed well at this past week’s 2019 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament in Attleboro, Mass., collecting four points (two goals, two assists)
Since joining the team in October 2017, Brière has evolved to a clutch performer for Johnstown. Scoring timely goals and providing an offensive spark.
"I could not be happier for Carson on his commitment to Arizona State," head coach Mike Letizia said. "He has displayed this season that he is one of the most dynamic offensive players in not only our league but all of junior hockey. His ability to come up in the clutch is one of his biggest assets, along with his love of the game and how much fun he has while playing. I am extremely proud of him, and a rapidly growing program like ASU is going to be a great fit for Carson."
"It's always a great day for our program when players reach their goal of a Division I opportunity. And, it's an awesome day for Carson and his family."
Brière will join former Tomahawks captain, Filips Buncis, who is in his sophomore season in at ASU. "I'm excited to join Arizona State University for the 2020-21 season," Brière said. "I was born in Phoenix and my dad started his career there and I can't wait to begin my collegiate career there also. I'd like to thank my coaches, friends and family for all of the support and I can't wait to get started."
The Sun Devils hockey program, currently Independent, is currently ranked No. 11 in the country with a 21-10-1 record. Under head coach Greg Powers, the Sun Devils have grown from a start-up hockey program to a nationally ranked team in 2018-19.
"What Coach Powers and his staff have done in a short period of time is remarkable," Letizia said. "They are only going to get better and better."