Daniel Markevych of the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Collingwood Blues has confirmed his commitment to join the NCAA Division 3 Middlebury College Panthers in Middlebury, Vermont beginning with the 2025-26 season.
Markevych, 19, signed in Collingwood ahead of its 2023-24 national championship season from Cushing Academy in Boston.
The Mississauga resident is on pace for a 56-point season. He totalled 50 last year.
“Collingwood has been a second home for me since the moment I have arrived,” Markevych told the OJHL. “Coach Campoli, Mike Tarantino and the whole staff have made me feel like I’m part of something bigger than hockey and myself, like I am part of a Blues family. My teammates both years have been best to none, they are the reason that I look forward to being in Collingwood every single day.”
“I came to Collingwood as a kid fresh out of prep school and the values that were instilled in me and the experiences I’ve had here have all led to me becoming the person I am today. I am truly grateful to be playing and have played for the best club in junior hockey.”
Another former Blue, Jack Silverman, and one-time Wellington Duke Dimitri Tzaferis are freshmen on the Middlebury roster this season.
“The moment I stepped onto the Middlebury campus I felt the same energy as I do here in Collingwood,” he said. “ I am super blessed and excited about having the opportunity to play for the Panthers for the next four years. I am looking forward to working with Coach Ceglarski and Coach Fitzgerald, and the rest of the team, on our quest to win national championships together.”
The Collingwood hockey staff had plenty of praise for Markevych.
“Daniel has made an immediate impact since arriving in Collingwood in September 2023,” General Manager Mike Tarantino told the OJHL. “His intensity and passion for the game are fun to watch and his goal celebrations are ones that fans especially enjoy. Daniel has taken only more responsibility this year and excelled in the role of an assistant captain. The Blues are confident that Daniel will make an immediate impact with Middlebury playing alongside 2023-2024 Blues teammate Jack Silverman. The Blues would like to congratulate Daniel and the Markevych family for his NCAA commitment.”
“Daniel’s story over the last two years is truly remarkable,” Head Coach Andrew Campoli said. “He has overcome big obstacles and fought adversity head on to achieve his commitment to Middlebury. He comes to the rink with the biggest smile on his face, ready to work and put in nothing but 100-per-cent effort on a daily basis. His passion for the game, teammates, family and life is truly inspiring and he’s left a lasting impression on our organization. We couldn’t be happier for Daniel and his family and are looking forward to following his journey.”
Congratulations to Daniel and best of luck in the NCAA!
The OJHL has had more than 75 Canadian Hockey League and NCAA commitments already this season.
Check out all our current commitments here: https://www.ojhl.ca/committments/
