Blayne Oliver Makes NCAA Committment
Blayne Oliver, seen here with the Trenton Golden Hawks has committed to play NCAA hockey for Hamilton College – Photo by Shawn Muir / OJHL Images
Oliver, who plays for the OJHL’s Trenton Golden Hawks, had 3 goals and 21 assists this season in 54 games.
“One of the important things I was looking for in a college was that it offered a good education,” explained Oliver about committing to Hamilton. “Hamilton is ranked very high among US colleges and has a very impressive alumni group.”
The rugged defenseman, who is an alumni of both the Junior B Chatham Maroons, and the ‘AAA’ Chatham-Kent Cyclones, was the OJHL’s Fan Favourite runner-up last season. According to Oliver, he’s excited to join not only a solid educational institution, but also a solid hockey program.
“The team was obviously another large factor. Their records improved each year coach (Rob) Haberbusch has been at the helm,” said Oliver.
“This year they were ranked 15th in the country at one point and finished inside the top 20. They have a good young group of players and are looking to rebuild a solid defensive core. So I should have the opportunity to earn some ice time early and I like the direction the team is headed in.”
For Oliver, who hails from a small town, he was also impressed with the Hamilton College campus, which is located in Clinton, New York.
“After seeing the campus in person, I was quite impressed. I liked the small school atmosphere, yet it has all the amenities of a larger school. Overall, I think Hamilton is a great fit for me and I am looking forward to being a Continental.”