Matteo Costantini of the Buffalo Jr. Sabres (photo credit – Owen Mertens / OJHL Images) has confirmed his commitment to join the NCAA Division 1 University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks in Grand Forks, ND beginning with the 2021-22 season.

“The Buffalo Jr. Sabres organization is incredibly proud to congratulate” Matteo, the team announced on its website.

“Time and time again throughout his rookie campaign, Costantini showcased his offensive flair, with smooth passes, crisp shots on net and incredibly skilled goals. He was a critical part of many Jr. Sabres wins in the 2019-20 OJHL season and helped lead the team through the OJHL's Buckland Cup Playoffs before the COVID-19 pandemic caused an early end to the season.”

The St. Catharines, ON resident amassed 68 points in just 50 regular season games as a 17-year-old and was named OJHL Rookie of the Year.

He was also named the OJHL's Top Prospect, after being ranked 96th overall by NHL Central Scouting ahead of next month’s 2020 NHL Draft.

Costantini was being pursued by several NCAA schools when the pandemic hit in March.

Costantini, who turned 18 last month, also participated in the CJHL Top Prospects Game last season and was a finalist for CJHL Rookie of the Year.

The Niagara North Stars and Jr. Sabres minor hockey product was named OJHL Warrior North/West Player of the Month for December. He played in the Prospects Game during the OJHL All-Star Celebration last November in Oakville.

Congratulations to Matteo and best of luck in the NCAA!

The OJHL, the largest Jr. A hockey league in Canada, has had more than 120 NCAA, U Sports, CHL and professional commitments in 2019-20 – including more than 45 NCAA Division I scholarships.

Check out all our 2019-20 commitments by clicking HERE