BINGHAMTON, N.Y. – Lebanon Valley men's ice hockey senior Blake Tosto signed a professional contract with the Binghamton Black Bears of the Federal Prospects Hockey League where he has made an immediate impact in three games so far for the Bears.
 
"My goal with hockey has always been to reach the highest level I can," Tosto stated about his signing. "My experience at Lebanon Valley College allowed me to continue to play at the professional level. How I was able to sign was through various connections I had with former teammates and players, I was able to get in contact with the head coach of Binghamton (Coach Brant Sherwood), and after a few conversations, it felt like a no-brainer to sign with Binghamton. 
 
Tosto is coming off his best season as a Dutchman where he finished his career strong with 26 points on 13 goals and 13 assists. The captain was named an All-Middle Atlantic Conference selection for the third time in his four years. The first team selection scored five power-play goals which was third in the conference.
 
"We're very proud and excited for Blake and this incredible opportunity," LVC head coach Don Parsons stated about the signing. "I watched all three of his games this weekend and he was one of the best players on the ice. He looked very comfortable and became a go to guy almost immediately. I had no doubt that Blake would continue as outstanding success at the professional level. We were so fortunate to have had Blake, his ability, his leadership and outright commitment for the last four years. He will continue to grow at the professional level and carry on the same greatness that makes him who he is. He will be virtually irreplaceable for us!
 
Tosto's signing with the Black Bears became official on March 19 and he skated in all three games this past weekend against the Watertown Wolves. Tosto had a huge weekend scoring four goals and adding an assist. In Saturday night's 4-2 loss, Tosto scored a pair of power-play goals and was awarded the third star of the game. He earned another third star of the game on Sunday as he scored another two goals and added an assist for three points in a 4-3 loss. The Black Bears have eight regular season games left before the playoffs. Binghamton has already clinched the Empire Division title with 104 points. Tosto needs to skate in two more games to be eligible for postseason participation in the FPHL. The FPHL is an 11-team Single A Minor Professional League based out of Binghamton, New York. This year is the 13th season of action.
 
He became the first Dutchman to sign a professional contract since 2022 when Alex Borowiec signed with the Vermilion County Bobcats of the Southern Professional Hockey League.
 
Q&A with Blake
1.        What was your reaction to being signed by the Black Bears?
Once I signed with the Black Bears, I experienced a great sense of gratitude towards the Binghamton coaching staff for giving me the opportunity to play hockey at the professional level. Also, I felt super thankful towards the coaching staff and all of my teammates at LVC for propelling me to get to this point in my hockey career too.
 
 2.        How did your experience at LVC prepare you for playing in your first professional game? 
My time as a student-athlete at LVC helped me learn and practice the necessary skills and mindset to seamlessly transition to the professional ranks. What I have experienced is how preparation and use of my leadership and interpersonal skills have helped me become a part of the Binghamton organization. As a professional athlete, preparation extends beyond just games and practices. You must be prepared for everything, which can range from preparing to be in the gym to preparing your breakfast in the morning. Just like at school, you must prepare for an exam but also prepare to walk to class each day.
 
Furthermore, it was not the easiest situation not knowing a single person when I came to Binghamton. Yet, my leadership and interpersonal skills helped me with introducing myself to all my new teammates, coaches, and staff over the last week. Despite the unfamiliarity, these skills I learned have enabled me to create meaningful connections with teammates, coaches, and staff, thereby fostering me into the Black Bears culture.
 
3.        What was it like to score two goals in your second game?
 Although it was my second game with the Black Bears, it felt like all the preparation, sacrifices, time in the gym, late nights/early mornings, and going through "the grind" with all my teammates at LVC contributed to that surreal moment scoring two goals Saturday night. Those goals were not just for me but for everyone who has contributed and has been a part of my journey.
 
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