NEWS

Oakville Blades defenceman Austin Clapham (photo credit - Shawn Muir/OJHL Images) has confirmed his commitment to the Ontario Hockey League's (OHL) Sudbury Wolves for the upcoming season.

Clapham, a 16-year old rookie with the Blades this season, was selected in the 4th round of the 2013 OHL Priority Selection, 67th overall, by the Wolves after graduating from the Mississauga Rebels Minor Midget squad in 2012-13. This season with the Blades, Clapham has played very well in nine games with the club, recording one assist while getting ice time in all different situations with the team this year. Last season, while a member of the Rebels, Clapham potted six goals and 13 points in 24 games to go along with a point and eight penalty minutes in four games during the 2013 OHL Cup.

"Sudbury is an exceptional organization, and I could not be more pleased with the opportunity that they have provided me,” Austin told the Sudbury Wolves website. “I can't wait for my first chance to get on the ice and contribute to the team. Mr. (Blaine) Smith and Mr. (Andrew) Shaw have shown great faith in me, and I am grateful for their trust and commitment. I will continue to work hard with the Oakville Blades, under Coach (Mike) Gomes' great guidance, to further develop my skills.  I am so proud to have joined the Pack!"

Congratulations to Austin and best of luck the rest of the way!

Below is the official press release from the Sudbury Wolves website (www.sudburywolves.com):

The Sudbury Wolves are pleased to announce that 16-year-old defenceman AUSTIN CLAPHAM has committed to play for the Sudbury Wolves.

Clapham, 6’1”, 180 lbs, right-shot defenceman was selected in the 4th round of the 2013 OHL Priority Selection, 67TH overall from the Mississauga Rebels Minor Midgets. Clapham is currently playing for the Oakville Blades Jr. A team where the youngster has been logging good minutes and has been playing in all situations.  

Wolves’ head scout Andrew Shaw was very high on Austin in the draft. “We were elated to have selected Austin in the OHL Priority Selection last April” notes Wolves’ Head Scout Andrew Shaw.  “Our scouting staff had Austin rated much higher than where we selected him so we feel we have acquired a player that has the potential to develop into a top defenceman for the Sudbury Wolves.”

Wolves’ Director of Player Development Bryan Verreault has watched Austin’s development over the past six weeks and has already seen the improvement in Austin’s game. “Austin has a great point shot and he is playing both very smart and physical” notes Verreault.  “Austin is well-liked and respected by his coaches in Oakville and he is playing in all situations. If he continues to keep his game simple, he will develop into a very effective OHL defenceman with solid pro potential.”

“We are very pleased that Austin has chosen to play in the OHL” notes Wolves’ GM Blaine Smith.  “As a 90% student, Austin has
recognized the OHL scholarship program and he now has the chance to fulfill his dreams as a member of our hockey club.” Smith noted that he and Shaw had an excellent interview with Austin and his parents prior to the 2013 OHL Priority Selection and recognized Austin as a player that is focused on being the best that he can be.  

“It was also very important for our Club to have a right-shot defenceman of Austin’s calibre in our system”  adds Smith.  “We only have two right-shot defencemen on our current roster (Kevin Raine and Jimmy McDowell) and both are currently in their graduating year. We now have the ability to call-up Austin on a need-be basis this season and we look forward to watching Austin develop his defensive skills in Oakville with the Blades organization.”

The Toronto native was thrilled to sign with the Wolves…."Sudbury is an exceptional organization, and I could not be more pleased with the opportunity that they have provided me” states Austin.  “I can't wait for my first chance to get on the ice and contribute to the team.  Mr. Smith and Mr. Shaw have shown great faith in me, and I am grateful for their trust and commitment.  I will continue to work hard with the Oakville Blades, under Coach Gomes' great guidance, to further develop my skills.  I am so proud to have joined the Pack!"