Former Trenton Golden Hawks star forward Griffen Fox (photo credit – Shawn Muir | OJHL Images) has confirmed his commitment to join the U SPORTS Lakehead University Thunderwolves in Thunder Bay, ON beginning with the 2021-22 season.

Fox was named the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Most Gentlemanly Player for the 2019-20 season.

The six-foot-1, 190-pound forward led Trenton in points that season with 60 (25G/35A) while picking up only 10 minutes in penalties. The Brantford resident scored six game-winning goals and eight on the power play.

Fox played in the OJHL All-Star Game during the league’s inaugural All-Star Celebration in Oakville Nov. 30, 2019.

Following a 35-point midget season with the 99ers in Brantford, he was selected by the Kingston Frontenacs in the third round of the 2017 Ontario Junior Hockey League U18 draft.

Next, Fox collected 45 points (12G/33A) – and four minor penalties – with the Thorold Jr. B Blackhawks in 2017-18.

He moved to Trenton the next season where he had 22 points.

Fox was named captain of the Golden Hawks last summer. But when the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled the 2020-21 OJHL season, Trenton moved Fox to the Amherst Ramblers of the Maritime Junior Hockey League. Fox had 14 goals and 25 assists in 22 games out east.

“I have been managing & coaching at the Jr. A level for over 15 years and Griffen Fox is one of the best leaders I have ever had on my teams,” Peter Goulet, Trenton’s head coach and general manager, told the OJHL. “What made him a great leader was he was a great person he always led be example and treated everyone the right way with the upmost respect. Still, he was not afraid to challenge his teammates to be better.”

“Griffen was always the first player to arrive at the arena and the last player to leave. His off-ice workouts and preparation for games was second to none. He was always ready to play, and he could play in any situation you needed him to play. I have no doubt in my mind that if Griffen Fox did not lose his last year-plus due to COVID-19 that he would have secured a D-1 scholarship and lead our team to a championship.

“I believe he will do the same at Lakehead in Thunder Bay and he will become a captain at some point. In saying this, our brand of university hockey at the U SPORTS level is way underrated. Foxy is going to a great program and is going to have a tremendous four years of hockey while getting a great education. Once done at school, should Foxy chose to play pro hockey, there is no question that his potential is unlimited.”

Fox has fond memories of his days with the Golden Hawks.

“My time in Trenton was easily the best two and a half years of my life,” he told the OJHL. “It hurts me to think back on what could have been the last two years, as we had a champion quality team both years. I can’t say enough good things about the organization as a whole.”

“Playing in Trenton is a privilege and my time there was not taken for granted. Whether it was meals after games, equipment, billets etc, everything Trenton gave to me was first class. One of my favourite memories was the showcase tournaments in Buffalo when we stayed overnight. We were really spoiled when I think about everything Trenton does for their players.”

“Not to mention the best fans in the league; they made it so fun to play there. As a lot of teams in the OJ don’t get the same fan support Trenton does, the fans make all us players feel appreciated. Home games were among my best memories playing in Trenton. The top-notch facilities were a big part of what made Trenton feel like home for me. Of course, through all of the memories were my teammates/ brothers who share these special times with me and made some friendships that will last a lifetime. A huge thank-you to the owners, coaching/ management staff, training staff, billets, volunteers, fans and teammates for all the great memories.”

Ditto for the league, he said.

“I am super grateful for my time in the OJHL,” Fox said. “I was able to play competitive Jr. A hockey and move on to the next level. Every event that the OJHL put on was both tons of fun and professional. From the showcase to the all-star games, the league always made sure everything ran smoothly and the players and everyone involved had everything they needed to do their job.”

“There were so many great people, whether volunteers, photographers, trainers etc., that made my time in the OJ memorable. The aforementioned events give exposure for players to move on the next level and the league does a great job promoting. Thank you to the OJHL for an unbelievable junior hockey experience.”

Congratulations to Griffen and best of luck in the OUA and U SPORTS!

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 2020-21 commitments by clicking HERE