Wayne, NJ - The Jersey Hitmen are proud to
announce that rookie defenseman, Connor Costello, has committed to West
Point for the fall of 2013. A native of Londonderry, NH, the 6'1 200
pound, defenseman becomes the Hitmen's 15th division one commitment this
year.
Known for his physical play and booming
shot, Costello has grown into a more complete defenseman this season in
New Jersey. Recently named to the 2013 EJHL southern division all-star
team, Costello had this to say on committing to the U.S. Military
Academy, "I am so excited for the opportunity to serve my country and
play division one hockey for West Point. Playing DI hockey is a dream
come true, but to attend the top school in the country (West Point) and
to serve in our nations military is too much to put into words!"
Costello continued, "I would like to thank coach Harris, coach Hunt and
all my teammates for all that they have done for me. I have learned so
much this season, I can not say enough good things about the Hitmen
family. I am so glad with my decision to play in the EJHL especially for
Jersey. I would also like to thank my Mom, Dad and family for all that
they have done for me. All the support they have given me and all the
opportunities that they have provided me, I would not be here without
them. Collectively, right now, we are over the moon with excitement and
joy."
Prior to choosing to play his junior hockey
in the EJHL for the Hitmen, Costello attended Governor's Academy in
Byfield, MA (the same school that GM/Head Coach Toby Harris graduated
from in 1992) and captained the team in 2011-2012.
"When
I saw Connor play on film, I was surprised that he had not already
committed to another USHL or EJHL team," commented coach Harris. "I
watched him play at Governor's Academy against Cushing and thought to
myself 'this kid has a ton of tools.' He is big, shots the puck a ton,
can skate, and is mean as a snake. I was excited at the possibility of
working with him for a whole season. I knew he was a DI candidate. I
also thought that he just had to slow things down and play within
himself, he was trying to do too much in prep hockey. and at times that
got him into trouble. This season he has certainly done that, working
closely with Coach Hunt on the back end, has paid immediate dividends
for both Connor and the Hitmen, including 7 goals (5 registered on the
powerplay)."
Harris went on to say, "Connor and
his D partner, Eric Sade (Cornell University '13), have really anchored
our core, defensively. Although Connor can hammer the puck on the
powerplay, he and Eric have been a great 'shut down' pair for us and
will continue to be right through play-offs. I am so excited for Connor
and his family on the commitment and I know coach Riley is getting a top
level defenseman, but more importantly, a top level person, he will
flourish at West Point!"
(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)
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