Patrick Cole of the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Buffalo Jr. Sabres (photo credit – Paul Mauceri| OJHL Images) has confirmed his commitment to join the NCAA SUNY Plattsburgh Cardinals in Plattsburgh, NY beginning with the 2024-25 season.
The Lancaster, NY native and Jr. Sabres assistant captain has played in all 48 games of the team’s games this season. He leads the team in goals with 28. Cole also has 21 assists giving him 49 points for the season, tied for second overall onr the Jr. Sabres.
Last season, Cole played for the Jr. B Stratford Warriors of the GOJHL where he scored 26 goals to go with 15 assists in 39 games. Cole has also played with the Welland Jr. Canadiens of the GOJHL, the Utica Jr. Comets of the NCDC, and spent time with the Jr. Sabres youth teams.
“As an older guy on the team I have had a lot of fun playing and it has been great watching the young team come together to be successful in the league,” Cole said on the Jr. Sabres’ website. “The Jr. Sabres have a great coaching staff, which has also made for a great season with the team.”
After visiting Plattsburgh, Cole said he knew it was the right fit.
“I was impressed by the school, and they have top-notch facilities along with a great coaching staff,” he said. “I’m looking forward to being the best student athlete I can. And hopefully helping achieve four years of national championships while I’m there.”
Jr. Sabres Assistant Coach Dylan Seitz is a big fan.
“Patrick’s commitment to his craft is what you look for in all players,” said “He’s a true leader on and off the ice and I couldn’t be happier for him to be heading to a great program like Plattsburgh.”
General Manager and Head Coach Sean Wallace added, “I’m very happy for Patty and am excited to see him continue on to play NCAA hockey at SUNY Plattsburgh. Patty is a kid who has continued to put the work in and I’m confident he will add to the great program at Plattsburgh.”
Plattsburgh plays in the SUNYAC and currently sits in fourth place in the national USCHO poll. With his commitment to Plattsburgh, Cole joins former Jr. Sabres OJHL alumni Adam Tretowicz, Christian DiFelice, Ryan Kuhn, Andrew Pizzo, and Pat Egan among others to continue their careers at the school. Jr. Sabres 18U players Mitch Hale and Joe Drabin also continued their careers at Plattsburgh, which is six hours northeast of Buffalo.
Congratulations to Patrick and best of luck in the OJHL and NCAA!
The OJHL has had more than 45 NCAA Division I scholarship commitments already this season.
Check out all our commitments here: https://www.ojhl.ca/committments/
With files from the Buffalo Jr. Sabres
