ELMIRA, N.Y. – Elmira Aviator forwards Matthew Maglio and Evan Dantas have been selected to the NAHL’s Top Prospects Tournament.
The Top Prospects is a showcase of the NAHL’s top uncommitted talent to perform in front of college and NHL scouts. This year’s tournament will return to USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, MI, and will also feature the USA National Team Development Program (USNTDP) competing for the first time since 2022.
The showcase features eight teams, one for each division, three selects teams featuring younger players and the USNTDP. Each team will consist of 20 players and play twice over the two-day event.
Last season, Elmira sent forward Curtiss Sturgeon to the Top Prospects Tournament. Sturgeon suited up for the Selects Black team, where he helped his squad go 2-0 at the event.
Dantas will suit up for the East team, while Maglio will skate for Selects Red. Dantas will face off against the Central, and Maglio will battle Selects Blue on Monday, Feb. 16. Then, Dantas will play against the Midwest and Maglio the Selects White on Tuesday, Feb. 17.
Maglio has evolved his game from more than just an elite shot and size. The New Jersey native is leading the Aviators with 21 assists and 33 points so far this season.
He has also continued to be a key cog in the Elmira power play. His six tallies on the man-advantage lead the team and are tied for third best in the East Division. Maglio has 12 goals through 38 games played this season after scoring 16 in 57 contests last campaign.
Maglio is also part of the leadership group for the Aviators, serving as an alternate captain. He is eager to participate in the tournament.
“I’m really grateful to have been selected to Top Prospects,” Maglio said. “I’m very excited to play alongside some of the best players in this league and I’m looking forward to the exposure from playing out there.”
Maglio’s selection to the Top Prospects Tournament signifies his growth in his second year in the NAHL. He still has one more year of eligibility in junior hockey.
Evan Dantas was acquired early in the season from the Danbury Hat Tricks and has taken flight with the Aviators ever since. Dantas has racked up 27 points in 28 games with Elmira.
Overall, Dantas has played 34 games this season, scoring 14 goals and providing 18 assists for 32 total points.
The 2005-born forward has been explosive on the attack on many occasions this season. His 13 multi-point games are tops on the team by far.
The Ontario native is looking forward to playing for the East team.
“It feels great to be selected and recognized,” Dantas said. “I can’t wait to represent the team, enjoy the experience and play some good hockey with some good players.”
Dantas also added that he is looking forward to showcasing his skills in front of the 100s of college and pro scouts in attendance.
Aviator fans can catch Dantas and Maglio in action at the Top Prospects Tournament by streaming the event on NATV.
The East will battle the Central at 5 p.m. and Selects Red will play Selects Blue at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 16. The East will then take on the Midwest at 12:15 p.m., and Selects Red will play Selects White at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 17.
Supporters can also keep tabs on the action by following the Aviators on social media @elmiraaviatorsnahl.
Mac Young is the play-by-play voice of the Elmira Aviators. To contact him, email [email protected].