“…it’s our responsibility and priority to help these young men continue to develop and get to the next levels”
Parker Forlin of the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Niagara Falls Canucks has signed with the Saint John Sea Dogs of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League.
Forlin leaves for major junior after a starry 18 months with the Canucks.
Forlin represented Niagara Falls and the OJHL on Team Canada East at the Jr. A World Challenge In Camrose, Alberta this month.
He was named its West Conference Player-of-the-Month for November after he tallied 21 points during 11 games.
The 18-year-old Niagara Falls, ON native has amassed 29 goals and 27 assists during 32 regular season games. His 56 points have him in third place in the OJHL scoring race.
The 2023-24 OJHL Scholastic Player of the Year had 54 points (24 goals/30 assists) in 56 games during his rookie campaign.
“Obviously it goes without saying that Parker cannot be replaced on our hockey team,” said Niagara Falls Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Frank Pietrangelo. “However, it’s our responsibility and priority to help these young men continue to develop and get to the next levels, so we’re very happy for Parker signing in the CHL.”
“Parker is a hometown boy, born and raised in Niagara Falls, and his goal remains the same as the day he first suited up to play for the Canucks – to play D1 hockey in the NCAA – and he believes this is his best route to achieve this goal.”
“Parker has had a fantastic season to date: runner up for the POM in October, winning the POM in November, selected to play in the Battle of Ontario all-star game, and then selected to play for Team Canada East…– all fantastic achievements to say the least.
“We wish Parker all the best in Saint John, and we will proudly follow his continued path to success!”
Forlin, a 2022 Barrie Colts Ontario Hockey League draft pick, is thankful for his time with the Canucks.
“Joining the OJHL last season was a key part in my development,” Forlin told the OJHL. “The calibre of the league is very high and helps prepare you for higher levels of hockey.
“My time with the Canucks was nothing but good. From the moment I got there, Frank and the coaching staff gave me every opportunity to succeed and help me develop into a better player and person.
“The support from all of the coaches, teammates and fans is tremendous and I am grateful for the opportunity to play for the Canucks.”
The Sea Dogs announced Forlin’s free-agent signing today.
“We are really excited to announce the addition of Parker to our team,” Sea Dogs Head Coach and General Manager Travis Crickard said on the team website. “Although he is known as a prolific scorer in other junior leagues, he comes with a high level of humility and hunger to get better every day as a member of the Sea Dogs.”
Congratulations to Parker and best of luck in the Q!
The OJHL has had more than 70 Canadian Hockey League and NCAA commitments already this season.
Check out all our current commitments here: https://www.ojhl.ca/committments/
