Johnstown defenseman Geregach makes NCAA DI commitment
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Ladder of Development: Johnstown defenseman Dustin Geregach played in the NAPHL for two seasons prior to playing in the NAHL and earning an NCAA Division I commitment.
The Johnstown Tomahawks of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are pleased to announce that defenseman and NAPHL grad Dustin Geregach has announced his commitment to play NCAA Division I hockey at Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA.
Geregach will be joining the team immediately after the Christmas break and complete the remainder of the season with the Lakers.
“I’m super excited to get started with Mercyhurst,” said Geregach. “I think it’s awesome that I have an opportunity to make an impact as soon as I get there. As for Johnstown, it’s unfortunate that I won’t get to finish the season here. I am so grateful for everything the organization and Mike has done for me. I can’t wait to follow their success the rest of the season.”
Geregach, 20, is in his second full season playing in the NAHL for the Tomahawks. So far this season, the assistant captain has seen a massive improvement on the scoresheet, earning 19 points (5 goals, 14 assists) in 28 games in a Tomahawks uniform.
Last year in his first season with the Tomahawks, the 6’0/185 lbs. native of McKees Rocks, PA put up 17 points in 49 games. He was also selected to and played in the 2021 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament for the East Division team in Blaine, MN.
Head Coach Mike Letizia spoke about the success Geregach has seen in Johnstown and the improvements he has made, saying: “We knew it was a matter of time for Dusty to receive the opportunity to play Division I hockey. There is no secret that he was one of the top defensemen in the NAHL this season. To see his progression as a U16 player when he first came to our tryout camp in Pittsburgh a few years ago to now has been remarkable. He truly continued to grow and emerge to be one of the best defensemen to have ever worn a Tomahawks uniform.”
Although Geregach will not be finishing out the season in Johnstown, Letizia remains optimistic and proud to see another Tomahawk go up the ranks and play at the next level.
“We will undoubtedly miss [Geregach] here but wish him nothing but continued success at Mercyhurst as he finishes the season with them,” added on Letizia. “I am so proud of him as a coach and couldn’t be happier for him and his family.”
Geregach is another example of the NAPHL to NAHL ladder of development. Prior to playing in the NAHL, he played two seasons for the Esmark Stars 18U team. That included appearing in the 2019-20 NAPHL All-Star Game and the 2 So far this season, the assistant captain has seen a massive improvement on the scoresheet, earning 19 points (5G, 14A) in 28 games in a Tomahawks uniform.019 NAHL 18U Top Prospects Tournament for the East team.
In 32 regular season games with Esmark, Geregach recorded 27 points.
Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list