Player Profile #1: Ben Costantino
Position: Defense
Number: 12
H/W: 6’4/225
Age: 19
Shoots: L
Home town: St. Albert, AB, Canada
Nickname: Tino
On the ice, Ben Costantino is intimidating, striking fear into opponents with hard hitting and the threat to score the other way. However, Costantino is a kind-hearted and driven young man off the ice who is motivated by the support of the Elmira community.
“I think getting the community involved is a good thing,” Costantino said. “First of all, because they’re keeping us going, they support our energy on the ice.”
Ben Costantino became part of the Elmira Aviators’ history before ever putting on a purple sweater. On June 12, 2024, Elmira selected Costantino second overall in the NAHL draft, making him the first draft choice in team history.
But he’s not letting the weight of the responsibility get to him. Costantino is focused on being the best hockey player he can be.
“It’s definitely pretty cool, but after a while it’s just nothing, you just try and play your own game and you’re still another hockey player,” Costantino said.
Costantino has embraced the opportunity to be the Aviators’ cornerstone in their inaugural season. He is tied for the most goals by a defenseman in the NAHL with 5. He also holds a share of the team lead in points with 12.
Costantino has the looks of an old-time number-one defenseman with his large frame and hitting ability. However, the 19-year-old has plenty of modern traits to his game, including an outstanding skating ability, a confident shot, and the willingness to carry the puck into the attacking zone.
“I play a two-way game,” Costantino said. “I can lock down the defensive zone, but I can jump up in the play and have a little more of an offensive flare.”
Costantino is focused mainly on team goals for this season like winning 30 or more games and making the playoffs, but like a lot of his teammates he has one big dream for himself.
“You want to go D-1,” Costantino said. “You want to get that commitment, get a scholarship.”
Like many of his teammates, Costantino loves golfing when he’s not playing hockey. He worked at a course over the summer cutting grass. He also enjoys working out, playing video games, and of course, watching hockey. Ben says he is a huge hockey nerd.
Costantino has been enjoying how the team has come together and has made a handful of friends in the Aviator lockerroom. His closest friends so far are fellow defensemen Brenden Bedorf and Eli Brown, as well as forward Bryce Terry.
In a season that will be packed full of stand-out moments, Costantino’s favorite so far came in Blaine Minnesota at the NAHL Showcase.
“I think when we were going back and forth with the Minnesota Wilderness and then we got a chance in overtime and I scored the game-winner, that was definitely a good one,” Costantino said. “It really set us off on a good foot.”
Ben Costantino will be looking to create more lasting memories and moments throughout the rest of the Elmira Aviators’ inaugural season. There is still lots to play for and plenty to learn, but one thing is for certain, this young defenseman has an exciting future ahead of him.
Mac Young is the play-by-play voice of the Elmira Aviators. To contact him email [email protected].