Smith commits to Clarkson

Leamington Flyers’ Colton Smith has made Ontario Junior Hockey League history.

Smith has made a commitment to Clarkson University to play NCAA Division 1 hockey next season.

The Leamington Flyers winger is the first player in the Ontario Junior Hockey League with CHL experience to commit to a D1 program under the new NCAA rules.

The new rule allows prospects who played hockey at the major junior level or on professional teams to retain their NCAA eligibility as long as they are not paid.

“I’m really excited about the opportunity to continue my hockey career at Clarkson,” Smith says. “It’s a great program and being able to play D1 hockey is going to be awesome. Leamington has given me a home and I know Clarkson will too.”

Smith currently leads the OJHL in several scoring categories – points (53), goals (31), points per game (1.83), power play goals (13) and game winning goals (5).

His offensive prowess has helped lead the Flyers to the top record in the OJHL and a #3 ranking in the Canadian Junior Hockey League at 24-3-2-1.

Smith’s father, D.J. Smith, is currently an assistant coach with the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings and previously spent eight seasons behind the bench with the Windsor Spitfires, including two as a head coach.

“I’m very happy for Colton and his family to earn his commitment to Clarkson,” Flyers’ head coach Dale Mitchell said. “It’s great to see not only his hard work be recognized but the opportunity to join the NCAA with the recent rule change.”

The Clarkson Golden Knights play in the Eastern College Athletic Conference and are based out of Potsdam, New York.