Owen Sage of the Ontario Junior Hockey League champion Collingwood Blues (photo credit – Andy Corneau| OJHL Images) has confirmed his commitment to join the Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks in Waterloo, ON beginning with the 2023-24 season.
Sage signed with Collingwood from his hometown Oakville Rangers U18 program in 2020.
“My three years here in Collingwood have been nothing short of exceptional,” he said. “Coming here as a 17-year-old kid moving away from home was a different experience to begin with but now I couldn’t imagine playing my Junior hockey anywhere else. The Collingwood community immediately made me feel at home with their unmatched support and kindness.”
“The Blues program is top notch in all aspects. From the practices and skill sessions, workouts, and off ice video preparation, you have everything you need to be the best hockey player you can be. The off-ice treatment I got here made me feel like a professional, and I can’t thank the Coaching, Training, and Management staff enough for helping me achieve my goal of playing university hockey.
Sage missed almost the entire 2022-23 season rehabbing from a knee injury.
“The recruiting process was much more difficult for me due to my injury and being unable to play this year,” Sage said. “I decided to choose Laurier because they showed true belief in me as a player and commitment to help me overcome my injury. The all around program from the staff to facilities seems amazing and I was super excited that they offered me a spot on their team for the ‘23/24 season. I can’t wait to get going in Waterloo and develop myself as a player and a student.”
Collingwood General Manager Mike Tarantino has nothing but respect for Sage.
“Owen has been the ultimate team player over his time with the Blues and was a key member every year,” he said. “Even though Owen only got four minutes of ice this year in our last game, it was one of the highlights of the year and something every Blues staff member and teammate will remember. Owen will be missed around Collingwood, but have no doubt he will be a positive impact on the Laurier’s Hockey program and school environment.”
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 Owen 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
