NEWS

Toronto Patriots alternate captain Niko Kovachis (photo credit - Andy Corneau/OJHL Images) has confirmed his commitment  to join the Niagara University Purple Eagles beginning with the 2015-16 Atlantic Hockey season.

The Mississauga, Ontario native is a product of his hometown Senatos Minor Midget 'AAA' program, having being selected by the Ottawa 67's in the 4th round, 79th overall, of the 2011 OHL Priority Selection.  He joined the Mississauga Rebels Midget squad in 2011-12, before making the jump to the OJHL as a member of the then Toronto Lakeshore Patriots the following year and has been with the franchise every since.

He would impress as a rookie in 2012-13, recording 19 points in 52 games played to finish third among the club's blueliners as a 17-year old.  His efforts earned him a spot on Team East that competed at the 2012 CJHL Prospects Games held in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia as part of the World Junior 'A' Challenge, as well as the OJHL Prospects Team that defeated the CCHL Prospects at the 2012 Central Canada Cup All-Star Challenge held in Wellington, Ontario.

Last season, Kovachis became one of the Patriots offensive leaders from a potent blueline that included NHL Draft pick Michael Prapavessis, as well as NCAA Division I commits Robert Powers and Tyler Enns.  Kovachis finished third among the team's rearguards in scoring once again, increasing his totals to 10 goals and 37 points in 51 regular season contests.  His play earned a spot on the blueline for the OJHL South-West Conference All-Star Team that would finish as runner-up to the QJAAAHL at the 2013 Central Canada Cup All-Star Challenge held in Terrebonne, Quebec.  He continued the impressive play into the post-season, helping the team capture its first-ever OJHL title and Buckland Cup championship with a six game series victory over Aurora.  Kovachis would then be named the Most Sportsmanlike Player as the Pats defeated the host Wellington Dukes in the Dudley-Hewitt Cup Final, earning a spot at the RBC Cup, National Junior 'A' Championship.

Thus far this season, Kovachis is one of Toronto's undisputed leaders, while also leading the entire team in scoring with 15 assists and 22 points in 24 games played.  He once again participated in the Central Canada Cup All-Star Challenge, notching one point in three games for Team OJHL Hawerchuk at the MasterCard Centre in Etobicoke.

Congratulations to Niko and best of luck as you finish out an impressive OJHL career!