Hayden Heinrich of the  Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Toronto Jr. Canadiens (photo credit - Ed McPherson | OJHL Images) has confirmed his commitment to join the NCAA’s Norwich University Cadets in Northfield, VT beginning with the 2023-24 season.

“I’m extremely proud and excited to begin the next chapter of my academic and athletic career at Norwich University,” Heinrich told the OJHL.

“My two years in the OJHL have been the best two development years in my career thus far. I loved the intensity and competitiveness, and also playing extremely close to home. I definitely feel ready to take a step up to the next level and the OJHL is a massive part of that.” 

The defenceman from Richmond Hill joined JRC from the Jr. B Lasalle Vipers in 2021. He played four games in the OJHL in 2018-19 with the Cobourg Cougars as an AP from the Markham Waxers U18 program.

The 20-year-old had 25 points in each of his two seasons with the Jr. Canadiens. His team won the OJHL regular season championships both years.

“My experience with JRC was nothing short of incredible. From Day 1 I enjoyed a great relationship with Coach Vince Bellissimo and GM Blake Ricci, who have established a great culture which made it an honour to put on the Canadiens sweater every game. The most important coach for my development was assistant coach (and newly appointed head coach) Dave Demarinis, who worked very closely with all our defencemen and really helped me take my game to the next level. 

“What I’ll cherish most from JRC is my teammates, they are some of the best players I’ve ever played with and even better guys. The ride we took was amazing, and although we fell short of our ultimate goal this year, I feel so lucky to have been a part of this group and to have a team of brothers for the rest of my life. 

His choice of schools was a no-brainer.

“Making the decision to commit to Norwich was not much of a difficult one,” he said. “I knew that Norwich was a hockey powerhouse and home to some of the best fans in NCAA DIII, and after getting the chance to get to know coach Cam Ellsworth and hear from some of the players, I knew Norwich is where I wanted to spend my next four years. I’m really looking forward to getting started.”

OJHL graduates on Norwich’s roster this past season included Braedyn Aubin (Markham), Andrew Albano (Stouffville, Georgetown, Markham), Callum Jones (Oakville), Devon Thibodeau (Cobourg), Holden Doggett (Stouffville, Oakville) and Nicholas Cordeiro (North York, Mississauga, Brantford, Jr. Canadiens).

Congratulations to Hayden and best of luck in the NCAA!

The OJHL, the largest Jr. A hockey league in Canada, has had more than 90 NCAA, U SPORTS, CHL and professional commitments in 2021-22 – including more than 25 NCAA Division I scholarships.

Check out all our 2022-23 commitments by clicking HERE