NEWS

Burlington Cougars defenceman Ellery O'Hara (photo credit - Brian Watts/OJHL Images) has confirmed his commitment to join the Curry College Colonels beginning with the 2013-14 ECAC-Northeast season. 

The native of Toronto, Ontario is currently in his third full OJHL season after splitting his rookie year in 2010-11 between the Dixie Beehives, playing five games and the North York Rangers, playing 19 games, while notching his first junior points, four assists.  Last season, O'Hara joined the Cougars, where he has played ever since.

O’Hara’s recruitment by Curry College’s new Head Coach T.J. Manastersky, who was hired in August of last year, began in early January and an official offer came just a few weeks later.

After weighing a number of factors including academics and location, Ellery committed to the program this past Saturday.

“On the school side they have a well known criminal justice program,” said O’Hara when asked about his academic pursuits.  “My goal is to eventually come back to Toronto and go to law school, this degree would help lead into that.”

O’Hara is very optimistic about how he will fit in with his new team.  “I know that they have got a great team already.  I am the first defenceman that (coach Manastersky) has recruited so that is another plus seeing that I’m the first defenceman that is really his guy.”

The road to a scholarship offer was not easy for O’Hara who struggled with two different Junior 'A' teams in Toronto prior to coming to the Burlington Cougars and finding his stride as a key performer; a role that he had always hoped to play.

Ellery has continued to work hard this season and credits the coaching staff of the Cougars with helping him develop on and off the ice. “All of the coaches have helped me develop as a player and grow as a person.  I am really thankful for the opportunity that they gave me to prepare me well for the next step.”

Congratulations to Ellery and best of luck as he closes out his OJHL career!