New Hampshire Defenseman Sylvester makes NCAA Commitment

Photo Credit: Mallory Ninemire

The New Hampshire Mountain Kings of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are proud to announce that defenseman Joey Sylvester has committed to play NCAA hockey for Saint John’s University in the MIAC.

The fourth-year NAHL veteran will head back to his home state of Minnesota to skate with the Johnnies in the fall. Sylvester played his last season of junior hockey with the Mountain Kings following a seven-game stint with the Maine Nordiques at the beginning of the year. With New Hampshire, the 5-foot-8 righty laced up in 39 games, notching 24 points from the blue line. Sylvester found twine five times and produced 19 assists in that span. Three of his tallies were scored on the man advantage for the East Division team. He ranked second on his roster in assists and second overall for defensemen with his 24 points on the year.

In his 2024-25 campaign, Sylvester started his year with the Minnesota Wilderness, playing in 39 games with the Midwest Division club before being acquired by the Odessa Jackalopes around the trade deadline. In Minnesota, the 21-year-old featured 21 points from the blue line, tallying three goals and 18 assists. One of his goals was scored in game-winning fashion, while one goal was scored on the man advantage. 

In Slyvester’s second season in the League of Opportunity, the Inner Grove Heights, Minnesota, native played with the Chippewa Steel. The ‘05 defenseman scored two goals and made 18 assists for the Midwest Division team. In his rookie season, the 5-foot-8 skater played in 19 games for Chippewa, notching 10 points in his debut year. He scored one goal, while making nine assists in that span. His lone tally in the 2022-23 season was scored in game-winning fashion.

Sylvester is one of nine members of the New Hampshire Mountain Kings to make a college ice hockey commitment.

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list