Garrett Pyke of the Oakville Blades (photo credit – Ryan McCullough/OJHL Images) has confirmed his commitment to join the Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks beginning with the 2019-20 season.

Eight members of the 2018-19 Blades have now made NCAA Division 1 commitments.

Pyke, a 19-year-old defencemen, joined the Blades from his hometown Mississauga Senators organization prior to the 2016-17 season.

After campaigns of five and 19 points, respectively, Pyke had a 56-point breakout season in 2018-19 ­– the most pf all OJHL defencemen.

His 44 assists were third highest of all players in the OJHL.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure to watch Garrett Pyke’s journey from being a rookie forward to an elite defenseman in our league,” said Oakville General Manager Jordan Selinger. “Alaska Fairbanks is getting a player who is extremely consistent night in and night out, as well as a wonderful teammate and leader for our group. We could not be happier for Garrett and hope that he is a big part of a lengthy playoff run with the Oakville Blades before he heads off to school.”

Congratulations to Garrett and best of luck in the NCAA!

The OJHL, the largest Jr. A hockey league in Canada, had more than 135 commitments in 2017-18, including 65 NCAA Division I scholarships.