Daniel Nau of the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Caledon Admirals (photo credit Chris Harris | OJHL Images) has confirmed his commitment to join the NCAA’s Wilkes University Colonels in Wilkes-Barre, PA beginning with the 2023-24 season.
The native of North Carolina had 36 points (14 goals/22 assists) in 53 games in Caledon last season.
The 21-year-old signed with the Admirals out of the Carolina Jr. Hurricanes youth hockey program a year ago.
“Daniel was a leader for our team on and off of the ice,” said Admirals Head Coach Chris Taylor. “He’s a phenomenal kid and a great hockey player. We’re very proud and happy to see Daniel end up at Wilkes.”
Nau cherishes his time in Caledon.
“Coming all the way up from Raleigh, North Carolina to play hockey, a lot of people questioned me,” he told the OJHL. “Especially when coming to a newer team that was coming off of a rough season. The goal and mindset in Caledon was to turn the image around from a struggling team, to a winning team.
“This played advantageously to my personality on and off the ice. While it wasn’t easy, the struggles and work we went through as brothers together formed bonds that I will have for a lifetime. Caledon and the coaching staff provided a warm home that allowed me and my brothers ample opportunity to develop and be successful. I loved every minute playing, billeting and making new life experiences playing in Caledon.”
He also praised the OJHL.
“One of the things I’m most grateful for from the league and my team is the platform that they provided,” he said, “when I was looking to play at the collegiate level. With their platforms combined with hard work on my end, I wasn’t forced to settle for a school. I had choices all over the U.S. which in my case was extremely important because the degree I wished to pursue left me with a very limited selection.”
“I cannot say enough how much appreciation I have for the league, my team, my coaches and staff, my billets, and everyone else that was a part of my final year of junior hockey. Thank you.”
Congratulations to Daniel and best of luck in the OJHL!
The OJHL had more than 75 commitments in 2022-23 including more than 36 NCAA Division I scholarships.
Check out all our 2022-23 commitments here: https://www.ojhl.ca/committments/
