NEWS

Cobourg Cougars alternate captain Jake Emilio (photo credit - Michael DiCarlo/OJHL Images) has confirmed his commitment to join the Middlebury College Panthers beginning with the 2014-15 NESCAC season.

The well-travelled native of Kleinburg, Ontario has been a sought-after commodity during his four year tenure in the OJHL.  Emilio, a product of the Toronto Jr. Canadiens 'AAA' program, joined the OJHL ranks as a 16-year old member of the Orangeville Flyers in 2010-11.  The rookie acquited himself well, notching five points in 32 regular season games as the youngest player on the Flyers roster.  He was picked-up by the Vaughan Vipers when the Flyers suspended operations following the season and after producting six points in 24 games, he was traded to the Georgetown Raiders for their post-season run, capturing the OJHL regular season title in the process.  Emilio finished the season with a career-high 12 points in 37 games, while also getting his first taste of post-season action, leading the Raiders d-corps with 8 points in 16 games as they fell to the eventual champion Stouffville Spirit in the Conference Final.

The 2012-13 season would once again see the defenceman on the move, this time after only 13 games, in which he had produced seven points.  The Raiders moved Emilio to the Cobourg Cougars and he would set career-bests again with 8 goals and 23 points in 45 games to lead the clubs back-end and was a big reason why the club upset the regular season champion Trenton Golden Hawks in the first round of the playoffs.  Emilio's performance earned a spot on the OJHL East Division All-Star Team that would win the 2012 Central Canada Cup All-Star Challenge that was held in Wellington, Ontario.  This season saw Emilio continue his progression offensively, finishing second among the club's blueliners with 11 goals and 32 points, ranking him 4th and 16th among all OJHL defencemen, while also keying the club's power play with teammate Alex D'Oliveira, notching 18 PP points.  He once again represented the Cougars, playing for the North-East Conference All-Star Team that competed at the 2013 Central Canada Cup All-Star Challenge that was held in Terrebonne, Quebec.

“We are very excited about Jake’s commitment to Middlebury for 2014," said Middlebury Panthers' assistant coach Mason Graddock.  "Jake will bring experience and a compete level that will have an immediate impact for us next season. His explosive skating and puck skills make him an ideal fit for our system here at Middlebury.”

Cougars’ Head Coach Curtis Hodgins stated, “Our hockey club is very excited for Jake to make his commitment to Middlebury. The academics and athletics look like a great fit for Jake’s future and we thank him for all that he has done for the Cougars”. 

Congratulations to Jake and best of luck in his career at Middlebury!