Zev Podolski of the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Trenton Golden Hawks (photo credit – Chris Harris | OJHL Images) has confirmed his commitment to join U SPORTS’ University of Guelph Gryphons beginning with the 2023-24 season.
The 20-year-old from Toronto began his OJHL career as an affiliate player with the Newmarket Hurricanes in 2018-19.
He opened the next season with the Burlington Cougars before being shipped to the Toronto Jr. Canadiens. He joined Trenton partway through this past season.
“Last week, I chatted with my agent, who set up a meet-and-greet with the coaching staff at Guelph,” Podolski said on Trenton’s website. “They saw me skate a few times, we had lunch and chatted. I thought it was going to be a great fit for both sides.”
“My family and I are thrilled with the decision. What a great feeling to get that decision off my shoulders.”
“The focus I have this off season is to get bigger and stronger. In U SPORTS hockey, you play against 24- or 25-year-olds.” Podolski said, “My goal is to be a pro, but it has to be one step at a time. For the next four years I will focus on school and playing for the Gryphons.”
He loved his time in Trenton.
“It was my best experience in hockey to this point,” he said. “The guys were like family. Playing in front of 1,400 people was something I will never forget.”
“I played for the Toronto Jr Canadiens for three years and enjoyed my time there, but winning that seven-game series against (JRC this spring) was truly amazing. ”
During Podolski’s 22 regular season games in Trenton, he notched 21 points, along with 10 more in the postseason.
Former OJHL players who played in Guelph last seas included: Ashton Reesor and Zach Roberts (Stouffville), Colton Incze (Brantford), Cameron Searles (St. Michael’s), Nate McDonald (Markham, Whitby, Georgetown), Jaxon Camp (Burlington), Emmett Gordon (Toronto Jr. Canadiens, Kingston), Liam Ham (Aurora), Ethan Doyle (Cobourg, Whitby, Pickering), Luke Kutkevicius (North York) and Ted McGeen (Wellington).
Congratulations to Zev and best of luck in the OUA and U SPORTS!
The OJHL had more than 75 commitments in 2022-23 including more than 36 NCAA Division I scholarships.
Check out all our 2022-23 commitments here: https://www.ojhl.ca/committments/
