Ferris State added Nicolas DeVita for the 2021 season after the Washington native recently finished his first season in the NAHL.
The 2001-born defenseman had one goal and 11 assists for the Aberdeen Wings this season. Prior to the NAHL, he played three seasons in the NAPHL with the Everett Jr. Silvertips. DeVita was also selected to and represented the NAHL Selects Blue team at the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament in 2020.
“Nico has been a very driven player from the time he joined the Wings during our National Championship run,” said Aberdeen Wings head coach Scott Langer. “He is a hard-working, tough defending player that takes a lot of pride in doing things the right way. The staff at Ferris State got a quality human being and hockey player in Nico.”
Added DeVita, “I am very excited an honored to announce my commitment to further my education and play Division I hockey at Ferris State University. I would like to thank my family, teammates, coaches, friends and God for giving me this opportunity of a lifetime. Can’t wait to see what the future holds. Let’s get to work.”
RELATED: CLICK HERE TO READ OUR REPORT ON THE TOP 1999-BORN PLAYERS
’99 G Anthony Aureliano to Western New England for 2020
Aureliano checked in at No. 37 in our recent list of Top-1999s. A native of Long Island, Aureliano has a .923 save percentage and a 2.64 GAA in 31 games for the P.A.L. Jr. Islanders in the NCDC this past season.
“Short in stature, he covered the cage and didn’t give much to the Thunder forwards,” our scouts noted at the NCDC Winter Showcase. “Finished with 26 saves and he needed each one for the victory.”
’99 D Matt Smoliga to Wentworth for 2020
Smoliga was ranked as the No. 186 ’99-born player in the NAHL by our scouts. He’s a D with good size who had six points in 22 games for the Northeast Generals this season. The Illinois native has a lot of junior hockey experience, including time in the PIJHL, BCHL and NAHL.
“Matt is big, tough and has some sneaky skill. He will not lead the league in scoring this season,” said NZ scouts. “His skating is a bit stiff but he works and has a great reach to make up for his lack of speed. He got to decent spots without the puck and made some really heavy hits on the wall. At 6’2” and almost 200lbs, he could cause matchp issues and grind teams down at the D-III level.”
’99 F Trevor Lawler to Franklin Pierce for 2020
The Mass. native headed north to the GOJHL this season to play for the Waterloo Siskins. There, he has 11 goals and 12 assists in 41 games. Prior to Waterloo, Lawler played for the Boston Jr. Bruins and played Mass. High School hockey at Saint John’s in Shrewsbury.
“Trevor is strong and fast on his skates,” said NZ scouts. “He can shoot it in stride with authority. He has quick hands and is strong on the puck. Was a bit in and out here shift to shift and must add consistency, especially away from the puck. Has a gritty side to his gam that will help him as he moves up in levels.”
’00 F Quinn McCarthy to Nichols for 2020
McCarthy played his midget hockey with the South Shore Kings and moved over to the Islanders Hockey Club in the NCDC this season (he made his NCDC debut for South Shore last season). In 35 games this season, he finished with 14 goals and 13 assists.
“Dorchester native used size and skill to dominate below the dots,” said scouts. “Created space for teammates whether with or without the puck. Speed and reach backed off defense and allowed McCarthy to excel in traffic. Really good from start to finish.”