Jonathan Morello of the  Ontario Junior Hockey League’s St. Michael’s Buzzers (photo credit - Tim Bates | OJHL Images) has confirmed his commitment to join the NCAA Division I Clarkson Golden Knights in Potsdam, NY beginning with the 2024-25 or 2025-26 season.

The 16-year-old from Toronto has seven goals and 10 assists in 25 games with St. Mike’s this season.

“Jonathan has earned this Clarkson scholarship and we are very happy for him,” St. Mike’s GM/Head Coach Rich Ricci told the OJHL. “He is a late bloomer that is driven to be a star. He has size, speed, good hands and good hockey IQ. He can play and think the game at high speed, which is unique. 

“As a comparable, I'm seeing a bigger version of former Buzzers/NHL star Andrew Cogliano in Morello. His upside trajectory is just beginning."

Morello was a 13th-round pick of the Erie Otters in the 2022 Ontario Hockey League’s U16 draft. 

The centre had 14 goals and 20 assists for the Toronto Red Wings in his self-described “breakout” U16 season.

Previously, he was a second- or third-line player on the AAA teams he’d played with since minor atom.

“I just focus on getting better and better every day,” the student at St. Michael’s College School told the OJHL. 

Now almost 6-foot-2 and weighing 170 pounds, Morello was sold on Clarkson during a visit to the campus and a meeting with the Golden Knights coaching staff.

Morello had interest from several NCAA schools early this season, including coaches who spoke to him at the OJHL Governors’ Showcase in Cobourg in September. Three weeks later, Clarkson made its offer.

“A big part of my decision came down to the coaching style and the team environment at Clarkson,” Morello said. “It's something I can really see myself playing in.

“And the confidence the Clarkson coaches showed in me as a player and how the coaching staff see me developing over the next two years and the development in the Clarkson program is also important to prepare me for my eventual pro career.” 

Former Buzzers Ayrton Martino and Noah Beck are on Clarkson’s roster this season along with former Pickering Panthers defenceman Dustyn McFaul and Aurora Tigers alum Anthony Romano.

Congratulations to Jonathan and best of luck in the OJHL and 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