Marcus Lougheed of the defending Ontario Junior Hockey League champion Collingwood Blues (OJHL Images photo) has confirmed his commitment to join the NCAA Division I Lake Superior State Lakers in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan beginning with the 2025-26 season.
The 18-year-old from Collingwood is a product of the Collingwood and Grey-Bruce Highlanders AAA minor hockey programs.
“I have been lucky to play in Collingwood over the last three years and I have learned so much in that time,” Lougheed told the OJHL. “The staff has done everything to support me and help me develop to where I am today and I can’t thank them enough.”
“I am extremely excited to become a Laker because it is an amazing school and hockey program. The coaches and staff have been extremely professional and welcoming and I couldn’t be more grateful for this opportunity.”
Blues staff members extended congratulations.
“We are extremely excited for Marcus and his commitment to LSSU,” said Collingwood General Manager Mike Tarantino. “Marcus has been with the Blues since he was 16 years old and is a hometown player coming up through Collingwood minor hockey. Many local young players look up to Marcus and he is showing all of them what is possible from a hockey perspective growing up in Collingwood. Marcus has continuously improved every year and is professional on and off the ice as well as in the community. I know the entire community will be thrilled for Marcus. LSSU is getting a great person and hockey player.”
Blues executive and former Collingwood mayor Terry Geddes agreed.
“It is our organization’s goal to ensure that every Blues player has the opportunity to go on to a post-secondary school,” he told the OJHL. “The Blues have a proud history of accomplishment here. On a personal note, I wish to recognize Marcus has an outstanding young man both on and off the ice. He is focused on his career goals and has worked at the excellence level to achieve this new milestone in his hockey career. As a Collingwood kid, this makes it extra special. Marcus is a product of the local minor hockey organizations.”
“Marcus has had an incredible journey thus far,” said Collingwood coach Andrew Campoli, “growing up in Collingwood minor hockey, to playing and wearing a letter, and bringing a championship home with his local junior team. He continues to evolve his game and always comes to work giving 100 percent. He has become a leader on and off the ice and is well respected in the community and a figure our minor hockey players look up to. Marcus has a high hockey IQ and sees the game at an elite level.”
Congratulations to Marcus and best of luck in the OJHL and NCAA!
The OJHL has had 40 NCAA Division I scholarship commitments already this season.
Check out all our commitments here: https://www.ojhl.ca/committments/
