COLLINGWOOD’S ROBINSON COMMITS TO SUDBURY WOLVES
Defenceman Payton Robinson of the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Collingwood Blues (photo credit – Sudbury Wolves) has confirmed his commitment to join the Sudbury Wolves of the Ontario Hockey League for the 2021-22 season.
"The Collingwood Blues gave me the opportunity to develop into a better hockey player and person,” Robinson said. “Coach (Rob) Bentivegna gave me every opportunity to succeed and become a better player both on and off the ice.”
“GM (Mike) Tarantino has done an incredible job building this team and franchise. My tenure in the OJHL has put me in a position to succeed at the next level."
The 18-year-old from Burlington, Ontario had two goals and 13 assists with the Burlington Cougars of the OJHL in 2019-20. He played in the Prospects Game during the OJHL All-Star Celebration in 2019.
He was acquired by Collingwood before the 2020-21 exhibition season.
Bentivegna recognized Payton's potential and pursuits in his hockey career.
"The Collingwood Blues would like to congratulate Payton and his family on his commitment to the Sudbury Wolves for next season. Payton's skillset and foot speed will allow him to make an instant impact at the OHL level. We wish him nothing but the best as he continues to pursue his dreams of playing professional hockey."
Robinson was a fifth-round pick by Sudbury from the OHL Cup champion Don Mills Flyers U16 team in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection.
“His skating is excellent, his first pass is good, he’s a big body, a right shot, and he’s an unbelievable kid,” Sudbury GM Rob Papineau told the Sudbury Star.
Papineau compared Robinson’s ability and demeanour to those of recent graduate Isaak Phillips. The Stouffville Spirit OJHL grad signed with the Chicago Blackhawks earlier this year.
“He’s very mature, respectful, he’s very focused and he knows what he wants to do,” Papineau said.
Congratulations to Payton and all the best in the OHL!
The OJHL, the largest Jr. A hockey league in Canada, had had more than 120 NCAA, U Sport, CHL and professional commitments in 2019-20 - including more than 45 NCAA Division I scholarships.
Check out all our 2020-21 commitments by clicking HERE
