Aberdeen forward O'Connell makes NCAA commitment
The Aberdeen Wings, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), are pleased to announce that forward Patrick O'Connell has committed to play NCAA Division III Hockey for Plymouth State University.
The 5'9/159 lbs. forward from West Chester, PA, spent two seasons with the Wings, scoring 13 goals and 32 assists for 45 points in 102 regular games played.
His best season came this past year in 2022-23 when he finished 2nd in team scoring with 36 points (8 goals, 28 assists) in 59 regular season games.
"Patrick was a solid veteran player for the Wings the last two years. He is a skilled forward that relies on his speed to change games,” said Wings Head Coach & GM Scott Langer.
O’Connell, 20, previously played in the NAPHL for three seasons prior to playing in the NAHL. During the 2019-20 and 2020-21 season, he played for the Philadelphia Little Flyers 18U team and during the 2018-19 season, he played for the Valley Forge Minutemen 16U team.
He played in the 2020-21 NAPHL 18U All-Star Game and was selected to play in the 2019-20 NAPHL 18U All-Star Game, but did not play. He also led the NAPHL 18U Division in assists during the 2019-20 season.
“I want to thank my family, coaches, teammates, the Wings organization and everyone who has helped me along the way with my hockey career,” O’Connell said following his commitment.
Plymouth State plays DIII Hockey out of the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference. They had a 23-4-1 overall record in 22-23, including an 18-0 conference record, regular season & conference tournament championship.
“We’re excited to welcome Patrick and his family to PSU. He brings a lot of experience playing in a major role for one of the best teams in the NAHL and should add good pace and playmaking to our group of forwards,” Plymouth State head coach Craig Russell said. “We expect Patrick to make a quick transition so he can play to his full potential early in our season.”
Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list
