Johnstown forward Gorscak makes NCAA D1 commitment
October 10, 2019
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Ladder of Development: Christian Gorscak played two years in the NAPHL prior to his three seasons in the NAHL, where he recently announced his NCAA Division 1 commitment.
The Johnstown Tomahawks of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are pleased to announce that forward Christian Gorscak has committed to play NCAA Division 1 hockey for Niagara University in Atlantic Hockey.
Gorscak, 19, is in his third season playing in the NAHL with the Tomahawks.
Through 10 games this season, the 5’11/185 lbs. native of Jeannette, Pennsylvania earned 11 points (2 goals, 9 assists). He's the current team leader in assists and tied for 3rd most across the entire North American Hockey League.
Overall in three seasons of playing in the NAHL, Gorscak has appeared in 114 career regular season games and recorded 48 points.
"It is so great to see Christian rewarded with his commitment to Niagara University. He is a first class human being and his play on the ice has spoken for itself," said Tomahawks head coach Mike Letizia.” When we tendered Christian as a young rookie from the Esmark Stars U16 program out of the NAPHL, we knew he was a talented player, but it was remarkable to see his maturity at a young age. He has improved his game in various ways each season while maintaining his infectious positive attitude and team first mentality. I am extremely happy for him and his family because he truly deserves this. Niagara University is not just getting a great hockey player, but more importantly, an incredible person."
Gorscak is part of a growing number of Ladder of Development players that began playing in the NAPHL and have seen their careers move onto the NAHL and then eventually, NCAA Division 1 college hockey.
Gorscak played both the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons with the Esmark Stars 16U team in the NAPHL. In 48 career NAPHL games, he recorded 60 points. During the 2016-17 season, he helped the Stars to the NAPHL 16U Dixon Cup Championship, he appeared in the NAPHL 16U All-Star Game, and was also named to the All-NAPHL 16U 1st Team that season
Since 2000, the Niagara University Purple Eagles have four NCAA tournament appearances, and have clinched 4 Conference Regular Season Championships and 3 Conference Tournament Championships.
Gorscak's commitment begins with the 2021-22 collegiate season, affording him the opportunity to remain with the Tomahawks through this year and the 2020-21 season.