Johnstown Goaltender Avakyan makes NCAA DI Commitment

Photo Credit: Phil Andraychak

The Johnstown Tomahawks of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are proud to announce that goaltender Nick Avakyan has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for Clarkson University in the ECAC.

The 21-year-old from the Golden State will head to the Empire State and will be playing with the Clarkson University Golden Knights in the fall. The 6’1 netminder is a first-year player in the NAHL. He played in 32 contests for the Tomahawks and featured a 2.56 goals against average and a .921 save percentage. The ‘04 goaltender spent time with the Maine Nordiques and Lone Star Brahmas before carving a dominant spot with the Tomahawks. Thanks to his work between the pipes, Johnstown was able to clinch a spot in the East Division Play-In Series where they would eventually sweep the New Jersey Titans for an East Division Semifinals spot. 

Avakyan shared his excitement about joining the program on social media. 

“I am proud to announce my commitment to play Division I hockey at Clarkson University. Thank you to all my coaches, agent, teammates, family, and most of all God. Excited for what’s to come!”

Head coach of the Tomahawks, Jared Kersner, shares his excitement for Avakyan’s next step in his hockey career.

“I’m so happy and proud of Nick. This commitment is a true testament to his relentless work ethic and the dedication he brings every single day. Since joining our team, he’s been outstanding—everything you look for in a goaltender. He brings a calming presence, controls the pace of the game, manages rebounds, catches cleanly with both his glove and body, and possesses elite puck-handling skills.”

Avakyan is the twelfth member of the Johnstown Tomahawks to make a Division I hockey college commitment.