Johnstown forward Oliphant makes NCAA DI commitment

The Johnstown Tomahawks of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are pleased to announce that forward and captain Holt Oliphant has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for the United States Air Force Academy in Atlantic Hockey.

“I’m really excited for the opportunity to play hockey at Air Force and to be a Cadet,” said Oliphant. “I feel it’s a great fit for me and I’m really looking forward to the next four years.”

The 5’10/185 lbs. native of Northbrook, Illinois came into Johnstown last year during the 2020-21 season and tallied 31 points (12 goals, 19 assists) in 53 games for the Tomahawks.

The 20-year-old is off to a hot start already this season in 2021-22 with six points (3 goals, 3 assists) in the team’s first seven games.

“Holt’s commitment to Air Force is so extremely deserved,” said Head Coach Mike Letizia. “I have said it numerous times that his character, commitment, and work-ethic really is unmatched and there is no doubt that he is a great fit for Coach Serratore and his program.”

The prestigious military academy in Colorado Springs has also been home to fellow Tomahawks alum Chris Truehl (2012-13) who was in net for the Cadets from 2013 to 2015.

“I think Holt’s on and off the ice work speaks for itself when it comes to earning this opportunity to play Division I hockey,” added Letizia. “Additionally, it’s hard to imagine somebody better than him to be a representative of our country. I could not be prouder of him and what he means to the Tomahawks organization.”

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list