Johnstown forward Meier makes NCAA DI commitment

Press Release

The Johnstown Tomahawks, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), are pleased to announce that forward Matthew Meier has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for the Air Force Academy, who play in the Atlantic Hockey Association (AHA).

Meier, 18, is in his first season with the Tomahawks and this is his second season playing in the NAHL.  He spent six games last year with the Kenai River Brown Bears in November, December and January where he recorded five points.

“Matt is the type of player that is all business on the ice. He has a great shot and he uses his big frame really well to get to the net,” said Tomahawks head coach Jason Spence. “I think this is a great commitment for him because he is a native of the state of Colorado and attending the Air Force Academy is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I think his play at the Showcase was affirmation for them that they liked what they saw.”

The native of Highlands Ranch, Colorado is off to a good start this season with four points (3 goals, 1 assist) in his first six games this season and he is also a +4. In Johnstown’s 3-1 win on Saturday over Bismarck, Meier (6’1/185) had the game-winning goal and an assist.

Prior to playing in the NAHL, Meier played Midget AAA hockey for the Colorado Thunderbirds. The 18-year-old will likely arrive at Air Force in 2015, but it is possible he could be accelerated to 2014.

Air Force is under the direction of head coach Frank Serratore and the Falcons have won five of the last seven Atlantic Hockey Association Tournament Championships.  No other NCAA Division I team has more NAHL graduates on their roster than Air Force.

Meier is the first Tomahawks player to make a NCAA Division I commitment this season and sixth overall since Johnstown’s entrance into the NAHL back in 2012.

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)