NEWS

Lee Lapid of the Toronto Patriots (photo credit – Ryan McCullough/OJHL Images) has confirmed his commitment to play NCAA Division 1 hockey for the Canisius College Golden Griffins in Buffalo beginning with the 2018-19 season.

The native of Thornhill joined the Pats after 27 games with the Toronto Jr. Canadiens of the Ontario Junior Hockey League in 2015-16.

Lapid, 20, is the reigning OJHL­­ Scholastic Player of the Year, and is already season highs, with 22 goals and 32 assists in 48 games played.

Even though the 2017-18 campaign has been a breakout season for many of the Pats, Lapid’s development since joining the club from the Jr. Canadiens at the 2015-16 season’s trade deadline has been very steady.

“I've been patient over my three years in junior and continued to work hard on the ice, in the gym and in the classroom,” he told the Patriot’s website. “It's really amazing to see what can happen when one sets a goal and puts in the effort to achieve it.”

Lapid went undrafted in the Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection as a 15-year-old, despite leading his Toronto Young Nationals minor midget team in scoring during the 2013-14 season.

“Since the start of my junior career, my goal was to always go the NCAA route,” he said. “I've always put a focus on my academics and being able to combine high level hockey while getting a great education is a dream come true for me. I'm really pleased to have the opportunity to commit to a school such as Canisius. I believe it is the best fit for me. The coaching staff made me feel wanted, and the hockey team continues to get better year after year.”

Lapid has 49 goals and 55 assists in 142 career OJHL games.

Congratulations to Lee and best of luck in the NCAA!