Elmira Forward Duckworth makes NCAA Commitment
Photo Credit: Caleb Gibson
The Elmira Aviators of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are proud to announce that forward Gavin Duckworth has committed to play NCAA hockey for Nichols College in the CNE.
Hailing from the Lone Star state, Duckworth will skate with the Bison in the fall in Dudley, Massachusetts. The 6’0 righty is a third-year veteran of the NAHL, spending time with three NAHL teams from three different divisions. This past season, he played in 41 games with the Aviators, tallying three goals and 14 assists. Additionally, one of his goals was scored on the man advantage.
Before joining the East Division team, Duckworth skated with the Kenai River Brown Bears in the Midwest Division. The ‘04 forward laced up in 34 games, finding the back of the net five times while producing eight assists. He was acquired midseason by the Brown Bears by the El Paso Rhinos. He skated with the Rhinos in 16 games, scoring three goals and registering two assists. One of his three goals was named as the decider in a contest.
His debut year saw the Texas native come in late to the 2022-23 season, hitting the ice in 12 games for the Rhinos. Duckworth is an example of the Ladder of Development that the NAHL prides itself on. He spent two seasons playing with Biggby Coffee in the NAPHL and joined the Rhinos following his 18U season. In those 12 games, he tallied one goal and three assists for the South Division team.
Duckworth played a total of 103 games in the NAHL, featuring 12 goals, 27 assists, and 39 total points. Additionally, the ‘04 righty will join Herman Åsberg from the New Mexico Ice Wolves at Nichols College in the fall.
Head Coach of the Aviators, Dom Manachio, shares his excitement for Duckworth’s next step in his hockey playing career.
“We are very proud of Gavin Duckworth committing to Nichols. Gavin brought a relentless work ethic, high-end compete level, and consistent offensive threat to our lineup. We’re excited to see him take the next step in his academic and athletic career with the Bison.”
Duckworth is one of 10 members of the Elmira Aviators to make a college ice hockey commitment.
Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list
