(Originally published on OJHL league website)
Spencer Smith of the OJHL’s Buffalo Jr. Sabres (photo credit – Niagara North Stars) has confirmed his commitment to join the NCAA Division1 UMass Minutemen beginning with the 2020-21 season.
The 16-year-old native of St. Catharines joined the Jr. Sabres this fall following a 33-point (15G/18A) season as captain of the Niagara North Stars AAA minor midget team.
The North Stars were coached by former OJHL and OHL bench boss Marty Williamson, who is entering his second season as head coach of the Brock University Badgers in the OUA.
Smith also saw action in 10 playoff games with the Jr. B St. Catharines Falcons last spring.
The 5-foot-9, 150-pound forward was a third-round pick (47th overall) of the Guelph Storm in the 2018 Ontario Hockey League draft. He was the highest-ranked player from the Niagara Region in the draft.
OJHL graduates on the UMass roster this season include Marco Bozzo (Newmarket), Philip Lagunov (Burlington) and Mario Ferraro (Toronto Patriots).
