Jersey Hitmen Alum JJ Cataldo Named 2025-26 AHA Goaltender of the Year

USPHL • NCAA Division I • Jersey Hitmen Alum JJ Cataldo Named 2025-26 AHA Goaltender of the Year

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Army West Point sophomore goaltender and Jersey Hitmen alum JJ Cataldo has been named the 2025-26 Atlantic Hockey America (AHA) Goaltender of the Year, as announced by the league office.

Cataldo, a Dineen Cup Champion with the Jersey Hitmen, continues to build on his elite development path from the NCDC to NCAA Division I hockey. During his time with the Hitmen, Cataldo posted dominant numbers, including a 21-4-1 record, a 1.70 goals-against average, and a .953 save percentage across 27 games in the 2022-23 season, helping lead the Hitmen to a championship.

In his sophomore season at Army, Cataldo emerged as one of the top goaltenders in the nation. Serving as the Black Knights’ primary starter, he appeared in 32 games, recording a 2.48 GAA and a .921 save percentage while allowing 79 goals. He was also named a 2025-26 AHA Player of the Year and Goaltender of the Year finalist and earned First Team All-AHA honors.

Cataldo’s impact extended nationally, finishing seventh in NCAA Division I in total saves (917) and eighth in save percentage among goaltenders with at least 20 games played. He led the AHA in total saves and ranked second in saves per game (28.66), while also finishing second in the league in save percentage and third in GAA among goaltenders with 30 or more games played.

The Stuart, Fla., native becomes just the second goaltender in Army program history to earn AHA Goaltender of the Year honors, joining Josh Kassel (2007-08).

Already climbing the Army record books, Cataldo ranks tied for ninth in career shutouts (6), second in career save percentage (.921), and sixth in career GAA (2.44). His 2025-26 season also ranks among the program’s best, sitting fifth in total saves and save percentage, and ninth in GAA for a single season.

From his championship pedigree in the NCDC with the Jersey Hitmen to national recognition at the NCAA level, Cataldo continues to exemplify the USPHL development pathway at the highest level of college hockey.