Robert Strachan of the Ontario Junior Hockey League champion Collingwood Blues (photo credit – Chris Harris | OJHL Images) has confirmed his commitment to join U SPORTS’ Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks in Waterloo, ON beginning with the 2023-24 season.
The 21-year-old from Oakville joined the Blues last summer following three years with the Georgetown Raiders of the OJHL.
“My time in Collingwood was better than I could’ve ever dreamed of,” Strachan told the OJHL. “Day in and day out we were treated like professionals by our owner, Dave Steele, the coaching staff and by the fans. The Collingwood community supported us in every way, and I’ll forever cherish playing at the best rink in the league, The Eddie Bush.
“Along our championship run I created friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. My time in Collingwood was short and it felt like it flew by, but living and spending everyday with a big group of brothers made it the best year of my life.
Strachan scored three goals and added 43 assists in games last season. He added 13 more points in the Blues’ 18-game championship run through the OJHL playoffs.
Strachan played in the 2023 OJHL All-Star Game in Collingwood.
“Robert joined the blues for his O/A year and made an immediate impact,” said Collingwood assistant coach Nick Ricca. “He led all defencemen in ice-time, and was a huge part of our Buckland Cup championship team. Congratulations on your commitment.
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 Robert 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/
