The '98 from Chaddsford, PA began this season with the Knights' team in the North American Hockey League (NAHL). After 15 games in the NAHL, Starzi returned the Eastern Hockey League (EHL), and has provided a huge offensive spark for his team.

"This commitment is because of hard work, dedication, and constant motivation,” said Knights head coach Josh Fusco. "Starzi is like the terminator. He gets knocked down and comes back harder every single time. Over the past two years, besides his speed and skill, the things people don’t see is his will to learn and get better. He has put so much work in off the ice learning the game, learning the systems and he’s gone on the ice and worked at every aspect of the game, making him a well-rounded player. The reward was the call-ups to the NAHL, but in the end the ultimate reward is this. You can never be disappointed with this kid. I’m so happy for him and his family and the staff at Stevenson.”

Heading into the final stretch of the regular season, Starzi has proven to be a consistent scorer during his time in the EHL. To date, Starzi has tallied 67 points in 53 career games (regular season and playoffs) in the league. Focusing in on just this season alone, and Starzi has 15 points through his first 13 games. Overall, he is very happy with where he's at, and extremely glad to have his commitment officially complete.

“Definitely a huge relief to finally get that commitment,” said Starzi. “I couldn’t be happier going to Stevenson. I truly feel that Coach Dawes and Coach Peffall have something special going on down there and I had to be a part of it.”

Starzi is the first EHL player during the 2018-19 season to commit to join the Mustangs, and the 13th player to make this decision since the EHL was formed back in 2013. Starzi went on to offer his thanks to some of those who helped him, and especially point out his current coach.

"I’ve had a great coaching staff with Coach Kowal and Coach Whiteside, but especially Coach Fusco," added Starzi. "I can’t say enough great things about him. I know he worked extremely hard to help me and do whatever he could, whether that was motivating me when I came down or calling schools. In the end, I know he’ll always be there and that’s a special relationship to have with a coach.”

Learn more about the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights on the team's official website, and check out the full 2018-19 NCAA commitment list.