The Wildcats got an early Christmas present with the mid-season addition of elite, puck-moving defensemen, Nicholas Chiocca.

Chiocca, standing 6’0, 180-pounds, comes from Wayne, New Jersey as a transfer student from Hobart College (NCAA DIII). The prior season he played at Trinity College (NCAA DIII) and played his junior hockey in the NCDC with the New Jersey Rockets, New Jersey Hitmen, and Boston Junior Bandits.

Perhaps Chiocca's most notable year came during the 2019/20 season, winning the NCDC Founders Cup while also being named to the NCDC All-Star team!

“I chose Arizona because it is the best of both worlds: a prestigious hockey program and widely respected academic institution,” said Nicholas Chiocca. “I have always wanted to be a part of a large school, which can be hard to find at the NCAA DIII level. You also can’t beat the weather. The hockey program is run extremely professional and the atmosphere in the arena is unbelievable. I am honored to join the team and help bring home a national championship to our great fans in Tucson.”

Chiocca brings elite puck moving ability with high hockey IQ, with a great feel for the game; something coach Berman thinks will fit perfectly with his current group.

“We are extremely excited to add Nick to our group,” said coach Berman. “He is the kind of player that makes the players around him better. His vision, passing and ability to instinctively attack 2 on 1’s makes him a massive weapon in all facets of the game. Adding this to our high tempo, quick transition style of play should fit seamlessly and make us even more dangerous on the back end. We already felt that our defensive group was a major strength of ours and now we just got better. Additionally, and maybe even more important, he fits into everything we stand for in our culture: with a strong work ethic, competitive fire, and a desire to be a part of something bigger than ourselves.”

The Wildcats return from Christmas break to take on division rivals, #4 UNLV January 13 and 14th at the Tucson Convention Center. Puck drop for both games will be at 7:30 pm.