Johnstown forward Aben makes NCAA DI Commitment

Johnstown Tomahawks Captain Zachary Aben has announced his Division I Commitment to Stonehill College.

“Zach was a young man of exemplary character on and off the ice,” said Coach Mike Letizia. “He was a tireless worker every day on the ice during games practices as well as the gym. His contributions to community involvement were outstanding I could not be prouder of him and the chance he has given himself to play Division I hockey.”

Hailing from Shavertown, PA, Zachary Aben has spent the last two seasons as a Johnstown Tomahawk. Despite a rookie season being cut short by a season-ending injury in 2022-2023, he made a significant impact, notching 12 goals and 12 assists across 35 games. His resilience and skill were duly recognized when he was appointed Captain of the Johnstown Tomahawks for the 2023-2024 season.

Aben’s leadership was matched by his exceptional performance on the ice, leading the team with 20 goals and 30 assists in 54 games during the recent season. The ’03 forwards contributions didn’t go unnoticed, earning him both the Offensive Player of the Year award and the Johnstown Tomahawks Community Pride Award. Furthermore, his talent earned him a spot representing the Johnstown Tomahawks at NAHL Top Prospects.

“I’m very excited about the opportunity to be a part of a new program and build something special at Stonehill,” said Aben. “I am looking forward to the next four years in my hockey journey and couldn’t be more thankful for what the last two years in Johnstown have done for me.”

While Aben prepares to embark on his journey to Easton, Massachusetts to join the Stonehill College Skyhawks, his legacy will endure in Johnstown through the Hawks Help Program, which he founded this past season.

The Hawks Help Initiative reflects the players’ eagerness to make a positive impact, aiming to foster meaningful connections and improve the overall well-being of local residents. By harnessing the players’ enthusiasm, the initiative encourages them to actively engage in monthly service opportunities of their choosing, alongside participating in team-organized volunteer activities. This initiative signifies the players’ sincere commitment to contributing to the community’s advancement on both personal and collective levels.

Before his time in Johnstown, Zachary Aben spent three seasons at Mount St. Charles Academy. Aben joins teammate Justin Gibson and Johnstown Tomahawks alumni Anthony Galante as he heads to Stonehill College this fall.

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