Previously reported in December ^ but...
-> Defenceman Owen Simpson of the Pickering Panthers has confirmed his commitment to join the NCAA Division 1 University of Connecticut Huskies in Storrs, Connecticut beginning with the 2022-23 season. Simpson was a fourth-round pick of the Hamilton Bulldogs from the Toronto Red Wings U16 team in the 2019 Ontario Hockey League draft. The Toronto resident had a goal and 15 assists in 45 games with the Whitby Fury of the OJHL during the 2019-20 season.
“Owen has a great opportunity to join UConn, which is an amazing school in a great division, Hockey East,” said Pickering head coach and general manager Rob Pearson. “Owen is a quality puck mover and a fantastic skater, which will help him at the next level. Since arriving in Pickering, Owen has been a pro; listens, works hard and communicates well with the coaching staff and teammates.”
Toronto Maple Leafs 2020 draft pick Ryan Tverberg, who played for the OJHL’s Toronto Jr. Canadiens last season, is a freshman at UConn this season.
Harrison Rees, an OJHL 2nd Team All-Star in 2018-19 with the North York Rangers, is a sophomore defenceman with the Huskies.
Congratulations to Owen and best of luck in the OJHL and NCAA!<-