Johnstown forward Ahearn makes NCAA DI commitment

The Johnstown Tomahawks of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are pleased to announce that rookie forward Jay Ahearn has committed to further his hockey career playing Division I hockey at Niagara University in New York, beginning in the 2021-22 season.

Ahearn, 19, is a native of Staten Island, New York and has been making a name for himself in Johnstown this season with his success. In 25 games, Ahearn has 17 goals and 20 assists this season, averaging 1.48 points per game with his league-leading numbers.

He is currently sharing the top goal-scoring spot in the NAHL with line-mate John Gelatt, who also has 17 goals on the season with the Tomahawks.

The 5’11/180 lbs. forward was named the NAHL’s Forward of the Month in January, where put up 15 points (11 goals, 4 assists) in just eight games played during the month of January, which also included a +11 rating.

“I am super excited about this,” said Ahearn after announcing his commitment. “I feel like Niagara is a great fit for me on and off the ice and the coaching staff made me feel at home.”

Before joining the Tomahawks, Ahearn was a standout player with the North Jersey Avalanche 18U AAA program, earning 43 points in 24 games with the team last season playing alongside John Gelatt and Brendan Clark, his current line-mates in Johnstown.

“Jay has proven himself to be an elite player this season in just his first year in the NAHL,” said Head Coach Mike Letizia. “His ability to be a game breaker night in and night out is such an awesome attribute. The thing I love about him is his passion for hockey. He truly loves the game and everything that comes with it. I could not be prouder of him and the situation he has created for himself with Coach Lammers and his staff at Niagara.”

Ahearn will be joining former Tomahawks forward Christian Gorscak, who is currently in his freshman year with the Purple Eagles program.

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list