Anthony Francella of the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s St. Michael’s Buzzers has confirmed his commitment to join the Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks in Waterloo, ON beginning with the 2025-26 season.
Francella exits St. Mike’s after three starry seasons and 120 points from the Buzzers’ blueline.
“We are happy to announce Anthony’s commitment to Laurier,” said Rich Ricci, St. Michael’s General Manager and Head Coach. “Anthony had several NCAA options available to him but decided Laurier was the best fit for him. This season, he led the OJHL in assists (45) by a defenceman and was a Second Team All-Star. He also owns the career points record by a Buzzers defender.”
“His game grew every year….size, speed, points, minutes. In the end, he leaves a well-polished player that understands and executes an elite level game. We expect him to be a standout at Laurier. We wish him the best but we are going to miss him.”
The 21-year-old from North York leaves the league with wonderful memories. He was selected to play in the inaugural OJHL-OUA challenge series at TMU in January.
“My time in the OJHL has been great,” he said. “I got the opportunity to develop my game against great players night in and night out. I would like to thank Rich Ricci and Vic Criscuolo for the opportunity to be a Buzzer for these last three years. They really gave me the freedom and the confidence to become a better player and person over my time there.
“I would also like to thank my teammates. They made these years unbelievable and I have made some friends that I will have for the rest of my life.”
OJHL alumni on Laurier’s roster last season included: Tyler Davis (Markham, Aurora, Brantford), Conor Ali, Ryan Mulholland (Brantford), Tristan Malboeuf (Oakville), Callum Chisholm (Pickering, Newmarket), Dylan DiTomaso (St. Michael’s, Georgetown), Brenden Anderson (Toronto Jr. Canadiens, Brantford),Ryan Pryce (Georgetown), Isaac Sooklal (Haliburton County/Whitby), Evan Benwell (Burlington, Toronto Patriots), Patrick Brown (Collingwood), Lucas Chard (Leamington, Toronto Jr. Canadiens), Nick Giunta (Markham, Burlington), Kallaway Mercer and Tyler Hunt (Cobourg), Thomas Lenart (Burlington), Sam Williamson (Trenton, Collingwood), Justin O’Donnell (Milton) and Bryce Sutherland (Collingwood, St. Michael’s, Georgetown, Burlington).
Laurier Head Coach Kevin Forrest has coached in the OJHL with Trenton, Aurora and the Toronto Jr. Canadiens.
Congratulations to Anthony and best of luck in the OUA and U SPORTS!
The OJHL had more than 120 Canadian Hockey League, U SPORTS and NCAA commitments this season.
Check out all our current commitments here: https://www.ojhl.ca/committments/
