2009-10 NEWS RELEASES

UOIT Ridgebacks Media Release
Monday, May 11, 2009

Ridgebacks bolster blue line with the addition of John McCullough

Oshawa, Ont. – University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) men’s hockey head coach Marlin Muylaert is pleased to welcome defenseman John McCullough to the 2009-10 Ridgebacks team. The addition of the rugged defenseman will add depth to the Ridgebacks blue line for the upcoming OUA season.

McCullough, a native of Barrie, Ont., was the assistant captain for the 2008-09 Couchiching Terriers in the Ontario Junior Hockey League. In 50 games played, he picked up three goals and 15 assists for 18 points on the year with 99 penalty minutes, while his team finished in first place with a 38-3-7 record.

In 2007-08, McCullough split time between the Newmarket Hurricanes and Couchiching where he amassed six points and 125 penalty minutes in 48 games. In the playoffs, McCullough was named the team’s MVP.

“John is a big defensive defenseman with a physical presence. We were impressed with how quickly he moves the puck up ice, and his hard work in the corners and around the net,” said Muylaert.  “We feel John has a very good upside and will develop into a very solid university defenseman.”

Coach Muylaert is hoping this year’s freshmen class is as good as last year’s which saw forward Josh Vatri (Barrie, Ont.) and defenseman Mike Noyes (Lucan, Ont.) named to the OUA All-Rookie Team. McCullough is the newest addition to this year’s squad after goalie Jason Guy ( Whitby, Ont.) committed to UOIT earlier this off season.

A Quick Look at John McCullough

Position: Defense
Height: 6-5
Weight: 210
Shoots: Left
Hometown: Barrie, Ont.

OJHL Regular Season Stats (Newmarket hurricanes and Couchiching Terriers)
Seasons: 3
GP: 149
Goals: 6
Assists: 23
Points: 26
PIM: 310

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Scott Dennis
Sports Information and Marketing Coordinator
Durham College and UOIT Athletics
905.721.2000 Ext. 2784 (P)
905.721.3117 (F)
scott.dennis@dc-uoit.ca