UOIT MEN'S HOCKEY

UOIT Ridgebacks Media Release
Wednesday, April 23, 2008

RIDGEBACKS MEN’S HOCKEY LANDS A RECRUIT FROM THEIR OWN BACKYARD

Oshawa (OUA) – The UOIT men’s hockey team continues to gear up for their second season of play in the OUA in 2008-09 as head coach Marlin Muylaert announced the addition Pickering native Jeremy Whelan to the Ridgebacks lineup.

“I am pleased that Jeremy has decided to compete for us next season,” commented Muylaert. “Jeremy brings a nice combination of skill and grit to the game and we see him as a player who will develop effectively with the style of play of the Ridgebacks.”

Whelan gained valuable experience playing in the OHL and OPJHL over the past several season, which will help him adjust to his first year in the OUA. Last season, he split time with the Hamilton Red Wings and the Huntsville Otters in the OPJHL. The 6’0 left winger averaged over a point per game with the two teams, recording 40 points in 31 games and notching 19 goals in total. He also made a big impact on special teams as he totaled 15 power play points and scored two short-handed goals.

In his OHL career, Whelan played with the Mississauga IceDogs from 2004-2006, making his OHL debut during the 2004 postseason. He also appeared in the Barrie Colts lineup during the 2005-06 season. He was selected in the fourth round of the OHL priority draft by Mississauga.

In 2006-07, Whelan was a standout with the Georgetown Raiders (OPJHL) as he recorded 51 points in 40 games including 26 goals. He also starred with his hometown Pickering Panthers (OPJHL) in 2003-04 where he scored 37 points in 41 games as a seventeen year old.

Whelan has now submitted his application to UOIT and enthusiastically waiting his acceptance for the 2008-09 season. With the addition of Whelan and the other recruits thus far, the Ridgebacks are looking to be in great shape heading into just their second season of play in the OUA.

A QUICK LOOK AT JEREMY WHELAN
Forward (LW)
Height: 6-0
Weight: 185 lbs
Born: February 6, 1987
Hometown: Pickering, ON

2007-08 Statistics

Hamilton Red Wings (OPJHL)
Games Played: 21
Goals: 15
Assists: 6
Points: 21
Penalty Minutes: 35

Huntsville Otters (OPJHL)
Games Played: 10
Goals: 4
Assists: 15
Points: 19
Penalty Minutes: 78

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Scott Dennis
Sports Information and Marketing Coordinator
Durham College and UOIT Athletics
905.721.2000 Ext. 2784
scott.dennis@dc-uoit.ca