A two-year veteran of the Northern Cyclones, goaltender Paul Dalessio is excited to move on to the next chapter in his hockey career as he has earned himself an NCAA Division III commitment to Nazareth University for the 2025-26 season.
A native of Burlington, Mass., Dalessio joined the Cyclones last season and went 8-9 in 21 appearances with a 3.08 GAA. He has kicked it up a notch this season, making huge strides in his second year with the club. In 20 appearances so far, Dalessio has gone 12-1 with a 1.89 GAA. He has allowed just 34 total goals in 1,081 minutes played. His stellar play earned him an All-Star nod for the New England team last month.
“This is my second year with the Cyclones organization and I have loved my time here,” said Dalessio. “We are a family here and that made it an easy decision to come back for the 2024-25 season. The league’s showcases I feel are a big contributor on why I was able to be recruited. It is an easy way to get in front of many colleges that you normally wouldn’t.”
Dalessio began his communication with the Nazareth coaching staff after the Jersey Hitmen Classic Showcase in October where they were able to come watch him play.
“What I believe the coaching staff liked about my game was the competitive edge I play with,” said Dalessio. “Although I’m undersized I like to think I play with an edge to my game. How hard I battle in the net is a part of my game that stands out.”
Nazareth’s small and close-knit campus is what really drew Dalessio in, especially after the high
schools he attended had that same feel. The fact that the team plays a very competitive
schedule also appealed to him. Academically, Dalessio is undecided on his major but likes the
small classroom sizes that Nazareth offers.
“Nazareth caught my eye because they have a great set-up,” said Dalessio. The locker room is top tier and they play in one of the best Division lll conferences. The academic side was one that I liked as well. After visiting I noticed class sizes were small and interactive which I feel benefits me.”
“I feel like Nazareth is a close-knit community and I will thrive in an environment like that. I attended Bishop Kearney and Dexter Southfield for high school and after my visit I felt that Nazareth has a similar feel to them.”
Dalessio feels that he makes up for his size in other areas of the game such as his skating, quickness and mentality. But, he is always aiming to be one step better.
“I am always continuing to refine my game especially if I am going to contribute at Nazareth next
season,” said Dalessio. “I am working on cleaning up my game by not using extra movements
that are not needed.”
The Cyclones are having a very good season, currently in second place in the New England Division with a 26-6-4-0 record. They have gone 8-0-2-0 in their last 10 and are gearing up for a deep playoff run.
“Thankfully I have my commitment for next year already,” said Dalessio. “But, we have a very strong team and our sights are set on winning it all this year, which I believe we can do.”
The NCDC congratulates Paul Dalessio, his family, the Northern Cyclones and Nazareth
University for his commitment.
