Bryce Sutherland of the Ontario Junior Hockey League champion Collingwood Blues (photo credit – Ray MacAloney | OJHL Images) has confirmed his commitment to join the Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks in Waterloo, ON beginning with the 2023-24 season.
Sutherland, 21, began his OJHL career in 2017-18 playing two games with the Burlington Cougars as an affiliate player from his hometown Mississauga Senators U16 team.
The next season he played nine games for the Georgetown Raiders as an affiliate from the Senators’ U18 squad.
He signed with the St. Michael’s Buzzers that summer and played with the Toronto franchise until being traded to Collingwood on Jan. 6, 2023.
“My time in Collingwood was short, but it was the best way to end off my junior career,” said Sutherland. “ I could only wish to have more time there. They run a top-notch program and have the best fan base in the OJHL. To the best billets, a great coaching and training staff, the smart owners and managers, and the best group of guys I’ve ever got to play with, thank you.”
Sutherland was named to the OJHL’s second all-star team for 2021-22 after a 77-point (41 goals, 36 assists) season at St. Mike’s.
This past season, he had 69 points (32 goals/37 assists) between the Buzzers and Blues. He added 17 points during the Blues’ 18 OJHL playoff games.
“We Collingwood Blues are excited for Bryce and his family and his decision to play at Wilfrid Laurier University,” said General Manager Mike Tarantino. “Bryce made an immediate impact since being acquired at the trade deadline. He provided an offensive spark and bought into the culture and community our coaching staff have fostered.”
“Although Bryce’s time in Collingwood was short, it was memorable as he helped provide the Town of Collingwood with their first Ontario junior hockey championship. We wish Bryce all the best next season with Laurier!”
Former OJHLers on Laurier’s roster this past season included: Tyler Davis (Markham, Aurora, Brantford), Matthew Dunsmoor (Wellington, Burlington, Wellington), Matthew Zebedee (Burlington, Collingwood, Stouffville, Jr. Canadiens), Conor Ali (Brantford), Kyle Gentles (Pickering, Stouffville), Declan Graham (Newmarket), Steven MacLean (Newmarket), Ryan Mulholland (Brantford), Adrian Naburs (Collingwood, Newmarket), Jake Payette (Georgetown), James Thomson (Aurora, Trenton, Newmarket), Noah Tooke (Aurora), Evan Benwell (Toronto Patriots, Burlington), Patrick Brown (Collingwood), Nick Giunta (Markham, Burlington), Grayden Gottschalk (North York), Matt McJannet (Georgetown) and Sullivan Sparkes (Trenton).
Congratulations to Bryce and best of luck in the OUA and U SPORTS!
The OJHL, the largest Jr. A hockey league in Canada, has had more than 90 NCAA, U SPORTS, CHL and professional commitments in 2021-22 – including more than 25 NCAA Division I scholarships.
Check out all our 2022-23 commitments by clicking HERE
