NEWS

Wellington Dukes alternate captain Steven Deeg (photo credit - Shawn Muir/OJHL Images) has confirmed his commitment to join the Nipissing University Lakers beginning with the 2014-15 OUA season.

The Ajax, Ontario native played four Junior 'A' seasons close to home with the Whitby Fury from 2009-13 before signing with the Dukes last summer.  During his tenure in Whitby, Deeg consistently improved his offensive output each season from three points as a 16-year old in 2009-10, after being selected by the Belleville Bulls in the 10th round of the OHL Priority Selection, to 23 points in 2012-13.  Along the way, he helped the Fury win their first South-East Conference Championship, ultimately finishing as runner-up to the Stouffville Spirit in the OJHL Championship Series.

This past season with the Dukes saw Deeg more than double his career-high's, including 26 goals and 47 points in the regular season to finish second on the club in scoring.  His efforts earned a spot on the OJHL North-West Conference All-Star Team, recording one goal at the Central Canada Cup All-Star Challenge that was held in Terrebonne, Quebec.  Deeg was one of just two players to play in all 53 regular season games and won the team's Sportsmanship Award, as well as the Rick Meagher Award which is given to the player who best exemplifies what it is to be a Duke and is selected by his teammates.

Dukes' General Manager and Head Coach Marty Abrams stated, "Steven had several options both in Canada and the U.S. available to him; all of which speaks volumes to his ability, leadership and commitment.  He established himself as one of the top players in the OJHL and we are very proud that we were a part of his advancement to university hockey at Nipissing."

Congratulations to Steven and best of luck in the OUA!