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FEATURE: Patrick Cole Commits to SUNY Plattsburgh

by abrennan
NIAGARA FALLS, ON - DECEMBER 1: Patrick Cole #21 of the Buffalo Jr. Sabres controls the puck during the third period at the Gale Centre Arena on December 1, 2023 in Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Larry Mathewson / OJHL Images)

This week Lancaster, NY native and Jr. Sabres assistant captain Patrick Cole (’03) announced his commitment to SUNY Plattsburgh. Cole has played in all 48 games thus far this season for the Jr. Sabres and is their leading goal scorer with 28 goals. Cole also has 21 assists giving him 49 points for the season, tied for second overall in points for the Jr. Sabres so far.

Last season Cole played with Stratford Warriors of the GOJHL where he played 39 games and had 26 goals along with 15 assists. Cole has also played with the Welland Jr. Canadiens of the GOJHL, the Utica Jr. Comets of the NCDC, and spent time with the Jr. Sabres youth teams.

BRANTFORD, ON – DECEMBER 14: Hudson Gill #18 of the Brantford 99ers battles for position with Patrick Cole #21 of the Buffalo Jr. Sabres in the first period at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre on December 14, 2023 in Ontario, Canada (Photo by Michelle Malvaso / OJHL Images)

Plattsburgh plays in the SUNYAC and currently sits in fourth place in the country USCHO poll. With his commitment to Plattsburgh, Cole joins former Jr. Sabres OJHL alumni Adam Tretowicz, Christian DiFelice, Ryan Kuhn, Andrew Pizzo, and Pat Egan among others to continue their careers at Plattsburgh. Jr. Sabres 18U players Mitch Hale and Joe Drabin also continued their careers at Plattsburgh.

NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 16: Sebastian Moncada #34 of the Mississauga Chargers makes the save on Patrick Cole #21 of the Buffalo Jr. Sabres during the second period at the LECOM Harborcenter on January 16, 2024 (Photo by Cameron Ernst / OJHL Images)

On his time with this season with the Jr. Sabres Cole said, “As an older guy on the team I have had a lot of fun playing and it has been great watching the young team come together to be successful in the league.” Cole also added “The Jr. Sabres have a great coaching staff which has also made for a great season with the team.”

After visiting Plattsburgh Cole said he knew Plattsburgh was the right fit as, “I was impressed by the school, and they have top notch facilities along with a great coaching staff.” On his goals for his time with Plattsburgh Cole said, “I’m looking forward to being best student athlete I can. And hopefully helping achieve four years of national championships while I’m there.”

MARKHAM, ON – DECEMBER 8: Patrick Cole #21 of the Buffalo Jr. Sabres turns to follow the play during the third period at the Markham Centennial Community Centre on December 8, 2023 in Ontario, Canada (Photo by Ray MacAloney / OJHL Images)

Of Cole, Jr. Sabres Assistant Coach Dylan Seitz said, “Patrick’s commitment to his craft is what you look for in all players. He’s a true leader on an off the ice and I couldn’t be happier for him to be heading to a great program like Plattsburgh.

BUFFALO, NY – FEBRUARY 4: Patrick Cole #21 of the Buffalo Jr. Sabres skates with the puck during the third period at the LECOM Harborcenter on February 4, 2024 (Photo by Cameron Ernst / OJHL Images)

General Manager and Head Coach Sean Wallace added, “I’m very happy for Patty and am excited to see him continue on to play NCAA hockey at SUNY Plattsburgh. Patty is a kid who has continued to put the work in and I’m confident he will add to the great program at Plattsburgh.”