NEWS

Cobourg Cougars forward Franco Loparco (photo credit - Dave Powers/Cobourg Cougars) has confirmed his commitment to join the Concordia University Wisconsin Falcons beginning with the 2012-13 MCHA season.

The 5'10", 179 lbs. native of Toronto, Ontario recently completed his third OJHL season, playing with his third different OJHL club, but not due to his playing ability, but simply due to being in the wrong place at the wrong time.  The first two clubs that Loparco was a member of, the Dixie Beehives and the Streetsville Derbys, were both part of the OJHL's on-going contraction plan that saw the league's membership reduced.

Despite the behind-the-scenes hardships, Loparco consistently helped produce points for the clubs that he was a member of.  Loparco made the jump to junior hockey as a 17-year old rookie in 2009-10, finishing second on the Beehives in scoring with 41 points in 47 games played during the regular season.  He would match his point total the following season in Streetsville, but only 39 games played. 

Joining the up-and-coming Cougars this past season as part of the merger, Loparco was a key member of the club's offence, notching 20 goals and 52 points while helping Cobourg to its best-ever regular season finish.

Congratulations to Franco and best of luck as he moves his career south of the border!