Captain Brice Cooke of the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Toronto Patriots has confirmed his commitment to join the NCAA Division I Canisius University Griffins in Buffalo, NY beginning with the 2025-26 season.
The 21-year-old forward from Orangeville joined the Patriots last season following three years in the Ontario Hockey League (Niagara, Mississauga, North Bay).
Cooke led the Patriots in regular-season scoring with 69 points (36 goals/33 assists) in 52 games.
“I’m really excited about the opportunity to play Division 1 hockey at Canisius next season,” Cooke told the OJHL. “I really wanted to take my time and decide on the right opportunity for me. I had great talks with the Canisius staff and it quickly became clear that I wanted to be a Griffin. I was one of the players that benefited from the rule change by getting to experience the best of both the OHL and NCAA hockey.
“Early in the season I had been hearing lots about the changing rules and I wanted to put myself in the best position possible to play Division 1 hockey. I’m so thankful I was able to reconnect with (Patriots GM) Blake Ricci and (coach) Vince (Bellissimo) through my minor hockey days with the Jr. Canadiens. The Patriots are a first-class organization that really focuses on development and have built an incredible culture. Through that culture I had some amazing teammates and got to make some connections for life.
“I had great talks with the Canisius staff and it quickly became clear that I wanted to be a Griffin. I was one of the players that benefited from the rule change by getting to experience the best of both the OHL and NCAA hockey.”
“Overall, I’m really excited about having the opportunity to play NCAA hockey and I believe the Patriots have set me up to have tremendous success at the next level.”
Patriots Head Coach Vince Bellissimo agrees.
“We are very happy for Brice and this accomplishment,” Bellissimo, who played at NCAA DI Western Michigan as well as two years in the OJHL, told the OJHL. “Canisius is getting a great player and even better person. Brice dropped down from major junior junior early last season, but that did not deter him. He has incredible character, which was on display from our very first meeting right through to the end of our playoffs. He showed up to work and led every day for our team on and off the ice.
“On the ice, there’s no doubt in my mind that his play will translate successfully at the Division 1 level and with continued development, I believe Brice can be a good professional as well one day.”
Former OJHLers on Canisius’ roster last season included Ben Bonisteel (Trenton, Brantford), Ethan Robertson (Cobourg), Jack Budd (Aurora), Alton McDermott (Oakville, Milton) and Oliver Tarr (Haliburton County).
“On the ice, there’s no doubt in my mind that his play will translate successfully at the Division 1 level and with continued development, I believe Brice can be a good professional as well one day.”
Cooke joins David Elmy (St. Michael’s) in this year’s recruiting class.
OJHL grad Rhys Chiddenton (Georgetown) is transferring to Canisius this season.
Congratulations to Brice and best of luck in the NCAA!
The OJHL had more than 135 Canadian Hockey League, U SPORTS and NCAA commitments this season.
Check out all our current commitments here: https://www.ojhl.ca/committments/
