LEAMINGTON, ONTARIO – Leamington’s Colton Smith has made Ontario Junior Hockey League history.
Smith has made a commitment to Clarkson University to play NCAA Division 1 hockey next season.
The Flyers winger is the first player in the Ontario Junior Hockey League with CHL experience to commit to a D1 program under the new NCAA rules.
The new rule allows prospects who played hockey at the major junior level or on professional teams to retain their NCAA eligibility as long as they are not paid.
“I’m really excited about the opportunity to continue my hockey career at Clarkson,” Smith says. “It’s a great program and being able to play D1 hockey is going to be awesome. Leamington has given me a home and I know Clarkson will too.”
Smith currently leads the OJHL in several scoring categories – points (48), goals (29), points per game (1.85), power play goals (13) and game winning goals (5).
His offensive prowess has helped lead the Flyers to the top record in the OJHL and a #3 ranking in the Canadian Junior Hockey League at 22-2-2-1
Smith’s father, D.J. Smith is currently an assistant coach with the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings and previously spent eight seasons behind the bench with the Windsor Spitfires, including two as a head coach.
During his tenure, he won two Memorial Cups, with current Leamington head coach, Dale Mitchell in the lineup.
“I’m very happy for Colton and his family to earn his commitment to Clarkson,” Mitchell comments. “It’s great to see not only his hard work be recognized but the opportunity to join the NCAA with the recent rule change.”
The Clarkson Golden Knights play in the Eastern College Athletic Conference and are based out of Potsdam, New York.
The program has been around since 1920 and has made 22 NCAA Tournament appearances, seven Frozen Fours and been NCAA Tournament runner-up three times.
Your next opportunity to see Colton and the rest of the Leamington Flyers in action is Thursday, November 21st at 7:10pm at the Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre against the Niagara Falls Canucks.
For more exciting Flyers’ news, along with your ability to purchase tickets, visit www.leamingtonflyers.com.
