Justin O’Donnell of the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Milton Menace (photo credit – Michelle Malvaso | OJHL Images) has confirmed his commitment to join U SPORTS’ Laurier Golden Hawks in Waterloo, ON beginning with the 2024-25 season.
O’Donnell joined the Menace ahead of the 2022-23 OJHL season following two years in the Ontario Hockey League at Sarnia and Saginaw.
The 21-year-old from Oakville closed out his junior career with 46 points (20 goals/26 assists) in 50 games this season.
“The past two years in Milton have been extremely special to me,” O’Donnell told the OJHL. “I came to Milton during a rough point in my career and, thanks to everyone within this organization from all of my great teammates to the coaching staff and owners, I’m leaving with full confidence in myself as a player.”
“I have seen such great player development within this organization that has helped many players including myself. (Head Coach) Dan Delmonte and (Governor) Jason Tryfon have created a great identity with the Milton Menace and I am honoured to have been a part of it.”
Next?
“I’m really excited to have the opportunity to continue my hockey career as well as my education at Wilfrid Laurier,” he said. “I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and forming new friendships while preparing for the next chapter in my life.”
The Menace coaching staff were impressed by O’Donnell.
“Justin was an integral piece to our forward group the last two seasons,” said Assistant Coach Daniel D’Ercole. “His ability to drive the play every shift with his physicality and his speed were major assets to his linemates. He was also a great leader both on and off the ice while leading by example as an assistant captain.
Good luck in your next chapter, OD!”
“It’s been a pleasure coaching Justin and having him help lead our team these last two years,” said Head Coach and GM Dan Del Monte. “His commitment to his team is second to none and his dedication to his own development has been intense and self driven. Laurier is getting a great young man.”
Other former OJHLers on this year’s Laurier roster included: Isaac Sooklal (Haliburton), Callum Chisholm (Pickering), Dylan DiTomaso (St. Michael’s), Conor Ali and Ryan Mulholland (Brantford), Evan Benwell (Burlington, Toronto Patriots), Bryce Sutherland, Rob Strachan and Patrick Brown (Collingwood), Tyler Davis (Aurora, Brantford, Markham), Nick Giunta (Burlington, Markham), Thomas Lenart (Burlington), Kallaway Mercer (Cobourg), Myles Perry (North York, Pickering, Haliburton, Milton), Sullivan Sparkes (Trenton) and Sam Williamson (Trenton, Collingwood).
Congratulations to Justin and best of luck in the OUA and U SPORTS!
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/
