Harrison Follett is heading to the Big Apple this fall.

Follett, a Denver native who has played in Colorado for the Littleton Hawks and Cherry Creek High School, recently signed with the USPHL’s New York Aviators, a team based out of Brooklyn, N.Y.

He said he’s excited for all the opportunities the Aviators provide their players.

“At the CCM Showcase, they gave me an offer and I liked the coach (Mike Stanaway) and the facilities and the amount of ice time, so I signed with them,” Follett said. “Some of the things that appealed to me about the team are that we get a lot of practice time to improve, and I liked the coach and the way he coaches.”

Last season with Cherry Creek was a turning point for Follett in his development process.

“We had that brutal loss in triple overtime in the playoffs, but I liked our team and our team bond,” said Follett. “I got a lot stronger and faster this past year, but I still have way more to improve on. My goal next year is to make a Tier II junior team to hopefully play NCAA Division I. I know the Aviators have some players moving to the NAHL, so that is my main goal for next year.”

Growing up, Follett noted that his biggest role model is also a coach that still teaches him to this day.

“The biggest influence is definitely my dad who used to actually coach me and still coaches me after games telling me what I did well and what I need to do better,” said Follett. “He always pushes me to be the best I can be.”

Follett knows that the hard work never stops, and he is pumped for what the future holds for him on the ice.

“My short-term and long-term goals are just to keep improving the most I can and put in everything and be the best I can be until I physically can’t anymore,” said Follett. “The goal is to go D-I for hockey, so I just have to keep grinding and doing everything I can to give myself the best chance for that.”

Photo provided by Harrison Follett

— Matt Mackinder

(July 20, 2022)