Johnstown goalie Evola makes NCAA DI commitment

Sam Evola played in the 2021 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament.

The Johnstown Tomahawks of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are pleased to announce that veteran and Top Prospects goaltender Sam Evola has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for Bowling Green State Universityi n the CCHA. Evola will be joining the Falcons program immediately, completing the remainder of the 2021-22 season in Ohio.

“My experience in Johnstown has been nothing short of amazing,” said Evola. “Coaches, players, fans and my billets have made Johnstown feel like a true home away from home. I’ve loved my time here so it’s definitely bittersweet to be leaving for college.”

Despite the “bittersweet” feeling Evola, 20, is experiencing, he is looking forward to the opportunity he has ahead of him.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be able to go to BGSU right away,” he said. “It’s all thanks to my coaches, family and teammates for all their support. This truly wouldn’t be possible without them.”

In his career with the Tomahawks, Evola put up a record of 31-4-2-2 in 51 games with a .921 save percentage and 2.46 goals against average.

“It’s great to see Sam get an opportunity to play Division I hockey. He’s joining a long list of former Tomahawks that have played at Bowling Green,” said Head Coach Mike Letizia. “Sam was a very important part of our team for the past season and a half, and we wish him nothing but the best as he joins the Falcons immediately.”

Evola’s numbers and success last season earned him a spot at the 2021 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament, where he played in two games. The 6’0/170 lbs. native of Rochester, Michigan had his Tomahawks career ended on a good note, with him earning a shutout in his final game, defeating the Jamestown Rebels 4-0 this past Saturday, and earning the NAHL East Division 2nd Star of the Week honor.

Coach Letizia also mentioned with Evola being the second veteran the team is losing to a college commitment mid-season, “This is another unique twist that our team has unexpectedly encountered. As we have continued to do, we will take everything that comes our way and see others step up and raise their game in pursuit of more team success.”

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list