08/23/2026
🏒 SUFFERN’S GAVIN TURCO PROVES THERE’S MORE THAN ONE PATH TO THE NEXT LEVEL
Success in youth sports rarely follows a straight line. For Gavin Turco, the road included two seasons away from hockey, developing without ever playing AAA, and the disappointment of not making Suffern’s varsity team as a freshman.
He kept working.
Now, the Suffern, New York native has earned an opportunity with the New Jersey Titans NA3HL team.
Born in 2010, Gavin began playing hockey at age five and represents the third generation of the Turco family to play for Suffern Hockey. After returning to the sport following two years away, he focused on making up for lost time rather than worrying about the path other players were taking.
“I’ve never played AAA, so my path has probably been a little different from a lot of players trying to get to this level,” Gavin said. “I’ve tried not to worry about what level other people are playing at. I just focus on getting better and making the most of every opportunity I get.”
That approach began producing results.
Last season, Gavin led the North Jersey Avalanche 15U AA team in points, producing close to a point per game. He also earned a role as a top-nine forward with Suffern, part of a program that captured its third consecutive New York State Division I championship and sixth state title overall.
The accomplishment carries special meaning for Gavin because of his family’s connection to the program.
“Being the third generation of my family to play for Suffern is something I’m really proud of,” he said. “Being able to wear that jersey myself and continue the Turco tradition means a lot to me.”
But one of the most important moments in Gavin’s development came from disappointment.
As a freshman, Gavin hoped to make Suffern’s varsity team and play alongside his older brother, Bryson, who was a senior. Gavin didn’t make the team.
Instead of walking away, he went back to work.
“I knew I could either quit or work harder, and I chose to work harder,” Gavin said.
That decision helped change the trajectory of his hockey career.
His development eventually earned him invitations to NA3HL Futures Camps and Main Camps. This year, Gavin attended the New Jersey Titans Main Camp, where his performance led to an opportunity within the organization and his signing with the Titans’ NA3HL team for the upcoming season.
“Signing with the Titans means a lot to me because it shows that the work I’ve been putting in is starting to pay off,” Gavin said. “At the same time, I know this is just another step. I want to keep working, keep getting better and prove that I belong at this level.”
Gavin’s commitment extends beyond the rink. He carries a 3.9 GPA and will enter his junior year of high school, balancing academics with hockey, training and travel.
His story is a reminder to young athletes that there isn’t one required route to reaching the next level.
No AAA hockey. Two seasons away from the game. A varsity roster he didn’t make.
Then came the work: leading his AA team in points, contributing to a championship program, earning junior hockey camp invitations and ultimately getting an opportunity with the New Jersey Titans.
For Gavin, the formula remains the same: stay consistent, work hard, succeed in the classroom and keep getting better every day.
Congratulations to Gavin Turco on this next chapter. We look forward to following his continued development with the New Jersey Titans. 🏒👏
