New Jersey forward Bannister makes NCAA DI commitment
The New Jersey Titans, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), are pleased to announce that assistant captain and Top Prospects forward Tommy Bannister has committed to play NCAA Division 1 Ice Hockey for the Mercyhurst University Lakers who play in the Atlantic Hockey Conference. His commitment begins in the fall of September 2022.
In two seasons with the Titans, Bannister has accumulated 79 total points (23 goals, 56 assists) in 92 games. This season the 5’9/180 lbs. native of Clayton, NY led the team in total points with 60 (20 goals and 40 assists). He is second in team history for most points in a season (60).
Seven times this season Bannister has received weekly/monthly league recognition. He was the East Division’s Second Star of the Week for week ending September 26, honorable mention for weeks ending October 17, 24, November 7 and March 6, 27, and honorable mentioned for forward of the month for September.
He was also selected to and played in the 2022 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament back in February for the East Division team.
"I'm extremely excited to be attending Mercyhurst this fall,” stated Bannister. “I would like to thank my family, teammates, coaches and everyone in the Titans organization who made this possible.”
"What a great day and achievement for Tommy and the Bannister family,” said Titans head coach and general manager Craig Doremus. “Tommy has had a great season and earned the opportunity to play Division 1 college hockey. Mercyhurst is getting a very talented young man. Tommy is a two-year veteran player for us who came back to the team this year extremely motivated, and goal driven. He has been a consistent offensive force for the team from day one. Tommy has stepped into a leadership role for our team this year and has been a huge reason behind all of our success thus far. We look forward to Tommy being a huge part of our Robertson Cup playoff run.”
Mercyhurst University is in Erie, PA. The Lakers are coached by Rick Gotkin.
Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list