Johnstown forward Recktenwald makes NCAA DI commitment

March 4, 2015

The Johnstown Tomahawks of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are proud to announce that forward Trevor Recktenwald has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for Ferris State University in the WCHA.

 

Recktenwald (6'2/205) is the third player on the Tomahawks 2014-15 roster to commit, joining Ryan Bednard (Bowling Green) and Alex Alger (Miami (Ohio)).

 

Recktenwald, 20, is one of the Tomahawks leading scorers this season with 37 points (14 goals, 23 assists) through the first 43 games. His 23 assists are tied for the team lead, while his 14 goals and 37 points rank second on the team. He was also selected for the 2015 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament, but was unable to participate due to injury.

 

“I am extremely excited,” said Recktenwald, a native of Venetia, Pennsylvania.  “My whole goal of playing junior hockey was to be able to advance to playing D-1 hockey.  To see all that hard work pay off and to now have that opportunity is a surreal feeling.” Recktenwald has nearly doubled his numbers from last season, when he scored 21 points (10 goals, 11 assists) in 50 games.

 

Prior to joining the Tomahawks, Recktenwald played three seasons for the Pittsburgh Viper Stars 18U in the NAPHL from 2010-13. He played in the 2013 NAPHL Top Prospects Tournament in 2013 for Team East, which was the season right before his transition into the NAHL.

 

“Trevor’s development over two seasons has been fantastic and he really deserves the credit. His preparation and intensity for both games and practices is second to none so it is no surprise that he has found success this year and garnered interest from multiple programs before choosing Ferris,” said Letizia.

 

Recktenwald will join a Ferris State program that finished first in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association last season.  The Bulldogs played in two of the last four NCAA Frozen Four tourmanents, reaching the national championship game in 2011-12. Coached by Bob Daniels (an NAHL alum himself) since 1992, the Ferris State program counts two-time Stanley Cup Champion and Pittsburgh Penguins winger Chris Kunitz  among its alumni.

 

“For them to have such a strong history and winning tradition there, that played a major factor in my decision.  The discussions I had with Coach Famulak and how much interest they showed in me help a lot, too,” Recktenwald said.

 

“The Bulldog staff and Ferris State University is not only getting a great hockey player, but also a fantastic citizen for their entire school. I am anxious to see how he finishes this season and what the future has in store for him,” said Letizia.