North Andover, MA – The Islanders Hockey Club is pleased to announce the verbal commitment of Anthony Tirabassi to attend the College of the Holy Cross.  In doing so he becomes the 12th player with the Islanders this season to have a Division One commitment.  He will join teammates Owen Powers and Will Brophy as all three will become Crusaders this fall.

“It is a dream come true to have been selected to become a Crusader,” commented Tirabassi.  “The Islanders Hockey Club has provided me the opportunity to develop as a hockey player over the past two years in so many ways and I am grateful for that. I want to thank my teammates and coaches for making my time with IHC so special and helping me to achieve this dream of mine.  I also would like to thank my billet family and most importantly my parents for always believing me and allowing me to pursue my dreams.”

Anthony is in his second season with the IHC, having attended the Nichols School in Buffalo before his time in North Andover, MA.  He leads all goalies in the USPHL with over a 1000 minutes played in both GAA (2.17) and save % (.926).  He is 15-3-0 and has 1 shutout on the season.  GM/Head Coach Sean Tremblay added, “Anthony has been tremendous for us the past two years.  We talked at the end of last season that for him to be a Division One goaltender he would have to be the very best in our league.  He has come out and proven that and earned his rightful place with Coach Berard and the Crusaders.  Anthony is the 15th goalie I have coached to go Division One and I have no doubts he will do a great job.  In addition to being a great goaltender, he is a great teammate and person, one that Holy Cross will be proud to call one of their own, I know I am.”

The Islanders Hockey Club is currently in 1st place in the USPHL with a 28-6-0 record.  Their next game is January 28 at 2pm vs Springfield Pics in Gallant Arena on the campus of Merrimack College.