Las Vegas product Carlo commits to NCAA D-II Franklin Pierce
Vito Carlo left his Las Vegas home at the age of 17 to play junior hockey for the NA3HL’s Atlanta Capitals.
Three years later, Carlo will be embracing a new home once again, having committed to play NCAA Division II hockey next season for Franklin Pierce University.
Franklin Pierce is located in Rindge, N.H., and the hockey team plays in the Northeast-10 Conference.
“What really appeals to me about Franklin Pierce University are the great things I’ve heard about the school and academics, as well as the great coaching staff,” said Carlo. “I feel very accomplished making this commitment. I worked very hard to get where I wanted to be, and I’m going to miss juniors 100 percent, but I’m ready for the next chapter In my life doing what I love.”
Academically, Carlo hopes to major in psychology.
“I am looking forward to challenging myself,” Carlo said. “Being out of school for three years, getting back in the swing of school will be good. I’m willing to put in the work and stay positive.”
Named as one of two defensemen to the NA3HL’s All-South Division Team, Carlo also played in the 2019 NA3HL Top Prospects Tournament for the South Division, where he had two points in three games.
Overall in his three-year NA3HL career, Carlo played in 119 career games and recorded 98 points on 18 goals and 80 assists.
“Playing for Atlanta made me the person I am today,” Carlo said. “Moving away from home at 17 across the country helped me mature quickly and to be responsible. My three years in Atlanta were the best three years of my life.
“(Atlanta coach) Jason Smith was the most positive influence on my career, always pushing me to work hard, helping me turn into the player I am today. He showed me to always trust the process.”
During his youth days back home, Carlo played for the Las Vegas Outlaws from Mites through Squirts and the Las Vegas Storm from Pee Wee through Bantam before going to Utah for Midget AAA with the West Coast Renegades.
Photo/NAHL
— Matt Mackinder
(May 30, 2019)