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Recktenwald Commits to Ferris State

By DWK, 03/15/15, 6:15PM EDT

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Former Star to Play Division I Hockey

The Johnstown Tomahawks of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) and the Esmark Stars of the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) have announced that forward Trevor Recktenwald has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for Ferris State University in the WCHA, beginning next season.

Recktenwald, 20, is one of the Tomahawks leading scorers this season with 38 points (14 goals, 24 assists) in 44 games. His 24 assists are tied for the team lead, while his 14 goals and 38 points rank third 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 (2010-13) for the Pittsburgh Viper Stars (predecessor to the Esmark Stars) in the NAPHL.  He also played in the 2013 NAPHL Top Prospects Tournament in 2013.

Recktenwald tendered with Johnstown during the 2012-13 season and joined the Tomahawks for the 2013-14 season..

“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 Mike Letizia, head coach of the Tomahawks.

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 tournaments, 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.

"I am so very proud of Trevor," offered Stars head coach Dave Kosick.  "He worked his tail off to get this opportunity.  Trevor has always had the raw skills and size, but he needed to dedicate himself to the day-to-day grind necessary to succeed at the AAA and Junior A level … and he has."

Recktenwald will join Stars teammate and alumni Jacob Hetz, Fairbanks Ice Dogs, at Ferris. Earlier this season, Hetz announced his commitment to the Bulldogs.

"Having both Recktenwald and Hetz committed to the Bulldogs team is a great accomplishment for both players and the Stars program as a whole.  These were not early commits offered on a hope and see approach.  They were earned by the work that both players have invested into their game at the junior level," Kosick said.