(Spruce Grove, AB) – The Spruce Grove Saints are proud to announce first-year forward Carter Oakenfold has committed to the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Engineers who compete in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) of the NCAA’s Men’s Hockey Division I.
The Eastern College Athletic Conference is one of the most prestigious in college Hockey, featuring Ivy League schools such as Brown University, Cornell University, Harvard University, Union College and many others top tier academic institutions.
Oakenfold has put together an impressive rookie campaign so far this season compiling six points (1G, 5A) through 18 games played. The high octane forward joined the Saints this season after developing with the Edge School in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL) for four seasons. During his time with the Edge, Oakenfold put up 81 points through 100 games played across the U15, U16, U17 and U18 Divisions.
The 6’3”, 175-pound forward from Calgary, AB will join fellow teammate Alexander Babich, who will attend and play at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute next season.
Saints General Manager Rob Sklaruk was thrilled to see a rookie forward earn a commitment so quickly to a well-respected school, saying, “Watching Carter grow as a hockey player over the past few months has been exciting as he continues to develop everyday. He has the ability to play with anyone in the line up and contribute in all aspects of the game. Carter is going to grow into a dominating player in our league, I am extremely happy for Carter and his family.”
Saints Head Coach Bram Stephen shared his thoughts on his most recent of the growing list of committed players this season saying, “Carter is a hardworking, detailed player who plays the game in a powerful manor and has touch around the net. He’s incredibly mature for his age and is consistently professional in his approach day to day. We’re so happy for his accomplishment and look forward to watch his growth continue in his game as a Saint.”
A thrilled Oakenfold spoke of his commitment to the Engineers and says, “I am very excited to announce my commitment to continue my hockey career at the Division I level with RPI. I couldn’t be more passionate about the opportunity to play in the NCAA, which has been a goal of mine for a long time. I am very grateful for the support I have had in pursuing this dream of mine, and for everyone involved who has helped me get to this point. From my parents, family, past coaches, and friends, to my minor hockey association, and the Edge School for developing me to reach this accomplishment. I also want to specifically thank the Spruce Grove Saints organization for being a part of my journey, I couldn’t have done it without them. I can’t express how excited I am to become an Engineer!”
Oakenfold joins Luigi Benincasa (Ferris State), Liam Watkins (Nebraska-Omaha), Breck McKinley (Bowling Green), Alexander Babich (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute) and Brandon Spaulding (Holy Cross) as committed players to NCAA Divisions I Universities this season.
The entire Saints organization would like to congratulate Carter and his family on his commitment.
You can catch Oakenfold and the rest of the Spruce Grove Saints tomorrow night at 7:00pm when they take on the Lloydminster Bobcats at the Grant Fuhr Arena.
You can secure your tickets online now at www.tickets.sprucegrovesaints.ca