Atlantic Youth Hockey League

Farinacci commits to Harvard

Release Date : 06/23/2016

CHATHAM, N.J. – The Atlantic Youth Hockey League and the New Jersey Colonials are pleased to announce that forward John Farinacci (Chatham, N.J.) has committed to Harvard University for the 2019-20 season.

Farinacci spent six of his seven-year AYHL career with the Colonials, leading the program to six consecutive AYHL championships, two Atlantic District crowns, and an appearance in the 2016 Bantam Major National Championship.

“John is an unbelievable hockey player,” said Colonials Director of Hockey Operations Noel Rubin, who also coached the high-scoring forward. “A true wizard with the puck. His hands, hockey sense and ability to make plays offensively is truly high-end. He [possesses] a unique toughness to his game [that’s] almost comparable to a young Peter Forsberg.”

Farinacci has complied 194 goals and 160 assists in 140 games for the Colonials.

“I have been very fortunate to have played with some terrific teammates and have world-class coaching during my time with the Colonials,” Farinacci said.

“I am honored and blessed to have the opportunity to play for such a prestigious institution [like Harvard],” he added. “I look forward to improving my game [before] arriving on campus.”

Farinacci served as captain for the Colonials’ Bantam Major team and was also a standout forward for the Delbarton School, adding another seven goals and 11 assists to his 2015-16 point total. He will be attending Shattuck St. Mary’s in the fall.

“John makes players better around him better and truly competes at the highest level,” Rubin added. “Some people win, but John is a winner in every situation he is in. I’m proud and honored to have coached him the last few seasons and look forward to watching his career and future.”

The Atlantic Youth Hockey League is the USA Hockey-sanctioned Tier I AAA youth hockey league of the Atlantic District. From Connecticut to Maryland, the AYHL’s membership is comprised of over 100 teams, representing four districts, and is spread across six playing divisions. The AYHL’s mission is to develop young players with competition, fun, and good sportsmanship, and move them on to the next phase of their hockey career. With a distinguished alumni list of players that spent a portion of their playing career in the AYHL, today’s players choose to play in the AYHL knowing that it is a proven stepping stone for those serious in their hockey pursuits.

For more information on the AYHL, log on to http://www.atlantichockey.org/ayhl.php or on Twitter @AYHL or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheAYHL