NEWS

St. Michael's Buzzers forward Matt Galati (photo credit - Michael DiCarlo/OJHL Images) has confirmed his commitment to join the Oswego State University Lakers beginning with the 2013-14 SUNYAC season.

The native of Toronto, Ontario joined the OJHL in 2009-10 as a 17-year old member of the Upper Canada Patriots, out of the Toronto Red Wings minor hockey program.  Drafted in the 2008 OHL Priority Selection by the Oshawa Generals in the 14th round, 277th overall, Galati had an impressive rookie campaign in the OJHL, notching 13 goals and 23 points to finish seventh on the club in scoring.  Year two saw him move on to the nearby Streetsville Derbys, where he led the club in scoring with 49 points before a trade deadline deal saw him on the move again to the regular season champion Newmarket Hurricanes.  Playing a lesser role with the 'Canes, Galati would notch two assists in the regular season and one assist as the club was upset by Stouffville in the playoffs.

Joining his fourth OJHL club in 2011-12, Galati was added to the Pickering Panthers roster, recording 15 points in 22 games, before he was picked up by the Toronto Jr. Canadiens for their playoff push.  Galati would finish fourth on the Canadiens high-powered offence, with 12 goals and 38 points in 49 games played, while notching another seven points in ten post-season contests.

The well-travelled veteran returned to the Pickering fold during the off-season and got off to the best start of his junior career, tearing up the OJHL scoring charts with 15 points in his first 9 games to earn Gongshow Gear North-East Conference Player-of-the-Month honours for September.  His play earned Galati a spot on the OJHL North Division All-Star Team that competed at the 2012 Central Canada Cup All-Star Challenge that was held in Wellington, Ontario.  Midway through the season as the club's play began to tail-off, Galati would once again be on the move, this time to his sixth and final OJHL club, joining the South Division champion St. Michael's Buzzers.  He would continue his stellar play with yet another offensive powerhouse, finishing second on the Buzzers and tied for 11th overall in the league with 30 goals.  This time Galati would be a key member of an extended playoff run as the Buzzers became the 2013 OJHL Champions following a seven game series victory over Newmarket.  The 6'1", 200 lbs. forward finished third in post-season scoring with 12 goals and 27 points, while also notching three game-winners.

Congratulations to Matt on wrapping up his OJHL career in style and best of luck at Oswego State!