Former Hobart College forward Tommaso Traversa ’15 recently represented Italy in the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship.
A native of Torino, Italy, Traversa played in five games for Italy in Katowice, Poland. The Italians finished with three wins and two losses in the championship, earning victories over Poland, Slovakia and Korea to come away with a silver medal. The team’s performance also promoted Italy to the top division for next year’s competition. Traversa logged one assist against Austria.
“Playing in the world championship was a tremendous experience,” said Traversa. “First, because it was my first time on the senior team, and secondly, because representing your country has something more special. It gives you a feeling that makes you give a little more on the ice. Last but not least, it was a beautiful experience because we won the silver medal and we got promoted in the top division next year where we will play against the best nations in the hockey world.”
Traversa played for the ECHL’s Alaska Aces for the 2015-16 season. He played in 67 games, logging 17 goals and eight assists for 25 points in his professional rookie season. The Aces finished fifth in the ECHL’s West Division. Traversa recently signed with England’s Dendee Stars in the EIHL, the top hockey league in England.
In his time at Hobart, Traversa played in 101 career games, recording 32 goals and 40 assists for 72 points. He was tabbed the 2014-15 ECAC West Defensive Player of the Year and earned a spot on the All-ECAC West first team. Traversa was a three-time member of the ECAC West All-Academic Team and was named to the league’s all-rookie team as a first-year.
“Playing college hockey at Hobart improved me as a player and as a person. I learned a faster and more physical type of game. It also made me a more competitive person on the ice and off the ice. I learned to reach certain goals you need to work hard in order to get them.”
