Atlantic Youth Hockey League

HAWTHORNE, NJ – The AMHL and Team Comcast are pleased to announce three organizational commitments to Division One colleges.  Defenseman Tommy Panico (’95 birth year/Wall, NJ) committed to UMASS-Lowell for the 2014 or 2015 season, defenseman Kenny Citron (’95 birth year/Hartsdale, NY) committed to Colgate University for the 2015 season and forward Dylan Plitt (’94 birth year/Philadelphia, PA) committed to the University of Vermont for the 2014 season.  The organization also announced that program alumni Kyle McKenzie (’93 birth year/Dallas, TX), currently playing with the Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL) has committed to Providence College for the 2013 season.

Panico, a steady presence on the blue line for the Comcast U18 Midget team, has 15 points (5G 10A) in 16 games played and ranks among the team leaders with a +18 rating.  “We are so pleased with the way Panico has started the season for us,” commented Head Coach Jared Beach.  “At 6’1”, Tommy has a big frame with a long reach and he really knows how to use it.  As an offensive-defenseman, Tommy excels in all three zones and has wonderful vision.  Tommy will have a great college career and has the potential to play in the pro ranks.”

Citron, the current captain of the U18 team, has been a big part of the team’s 13-2-1 start to the season.  One of four returning players for Team Comcast, the Hartsdale native has 14 points (2G 12A) on the year and leads the team with a +26 rating.  “Kenny is the complete package on defense,” said Beach.  “He has good size, enjoys playing physically and competes hard on every shift.  Kenny also mans the point on the power play and can be a contributor, offensively, from the blue line.  From a leadership standpoint, Kenny has done a great job for our team, so far, and is very deserving of the full scholarship to Colgate.”

Plitt became the 5^th Division One commitment for Team Comcast this year when he accepted a scholarship from the University of Vermont.  A second year player for Comcast, the Philadelphia native has 20 points (7G 13A) in 16 games in getting Team Comcast off to a fast start this year.  “You can always count on Dylan to make a few plays each game that are highlight worthy,” offered Beach.  “He makes the smart and simple plays so routinely, which is part of what makes him so special.  He is one of the most skilled players to come through our organization and is extremely coachable.  His combination of skill and grit will serve him well on the D1 level.”

The three commitments gives Team Comcast 35 players to commit in the last five seasons.  “This is great news for the entire AMHL,” commented AMHL President Gene Palecco.  “Year in and year out Team Comcast is among the nation’s top Midget programs and we are very proud of the work that the organization does each year in producing high-end talent.  Congratulations to Tommy, Kenny and Dylan on their commitments.”