Johnstown goaltender Graziano makes NCAA DI commitment

The Johnstown Tomahawks of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are pleased to announce that goaltender Josh Graziano has committed to playing NCAA Division I hockey at for the University of Notre Dame in the B1G, starting in the 2021-22 season.

“I couldn’t be happier for Josh and his new opportunity at Notre Dame,” said Head Coach Mike Letizia about the new opportunity presented to Graziano. “Their program and university have been a model of excellence. Since joining our team in February, Josh has been such a fantastic addition with helping fuel more success for us.”

Graziano, 21, was previously committed to Union College for the 2020-21 season, but due to COVID, it was determined the season would be cancelled, giving the 6’3/200 lbs. goaltender the opportunity to come back to the NAHL for his final season of eligibility.

Prior to joining the Tomahawks in February, the NAHL veteran was most recently with the New Mexico Ice Wolves, going 4-14-0-3. Since arriving in Johnstown in February, Graziano has completely turned his game around with an 11-1-0-2 record in a Tomahawks sweater.

“With the challenging season this has been, I am really happy that this chance came for [Graziano] to find his new home,” also added Letizia. “I look forward to seeing him be a big part of what we do down the stretch and into the playoffs.”

The Buffalo, New York native also spent some time with Team USA back in 2017-18, playing with the US National Development Team Program Juniors, the US National U17, and U18 teams. He made his NAHL debut during the 2017-18 season with the Coulee Region Chill. Overall, he has appeared in 56 career NAHL regular season games.

“I’m excited to take the next step in my hockey career and to join such a prestigious university and program as Notre Dame,” said Graziano. “I’m looking forward to my future with the Fighting Irish. I am so thankful for my family, friends, coaches and teammates who have helped me get to where I am today.”

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list