Saints Ryan O’Connell suits up for Boston U

It was announced August 5 that Saints defenceman and grade 12 student Ryan O’Connell will be joining the NCAA Division 1 Boston University Terriers.

"We are so excited and proud of Ryan,” says Varsity Saints Head Coach David Manning. “He's is an outstanding student-athlete and is deserving of such an honour."

Last season, the 6 ft 1” player amassed 31 points on four goals and 27 assists in 55 games with the Saints. He previously played for the Ottawa Jr. 67s AAA hockey club for three seasons.

"Ryan is a dynamic player who is only beginning to reach his potential,” explains Coach Manning. “To continue that growth as a member of one of the NCAA's top programs like Boston University is quite a special for him."

It won’t be until the 2018-19 season that you can catch Ryan on the ice in Boston, but you can see him in action when the season kicks off for the Varsity Saints in November at the La Brier Family Arena.

This commitment, as is always the case with early commits, will allow Ryan to relax and focus on his studies and his hockey training.

Story by Nicolette Fleming