Defenseman Campbell commits to Dutchmen (updated w/ video)

by Ryan Fay

The Ontario Junior Hockey League's Oakville Blades announced Wednesday that defenseman Greg Campbell has committed to Union for the 2015-2016 season.

“I’m just thrilled and honored to be a part of such an amazing program like Union,” said Campbell. “They continue to graduate talented players that move on with their hockey careers. Also, their academic program is top notch and would be a great fit for me to be a great student athlete.”

Campbell in action earlier this season
credit: Tim Bates/OJHL Images

The 19-year-old is in his third season with the Blades. He's currently tied for fourth among OJHL defenseman in scoring with three goals and 20 assists in 22 games. All three of his goals have come on the power play and he's tied for third among defensemen with 10 power play assists.

In his first two seasons with the Blades, the Oakville, Ontario native recorded 16 goals and 46 assists in 96 games.

“Having the opportunity to watch Greg's development from Minor Midget to now I'm very happy he's reached his goal of playing college hockey at Union,” said Blades general manager Mike Daley. “Greg has worked very hard to improve his weaknesses and has become such a poised defenseman on both sides of the puck."

Last weekend, the 6-foot, 195-pounder represented the Blades on Team Hawerchuk at the Central Canada Cup All-Star Challenge. He recorded a goal and two assists in three games.

Added Daley, "The best comment from the Central Canada Cup this weekend came from a rival coach who said 'I didn't realize how good he was until I got to watch him up close.'"

Campbell, who played for Canada East at the World Junior A Hockey Challenge last season, will be the latest in a growing number of former Blades to play at Union, including senior forward Mark Bennett and 100-point club member Jeremy Welsh.

“It has been his dream to play Division I hockey, but to have Union as defending national champions and all the success they have had with a number of former Oakville Blades, it just can't get better than that,” said Greg’s dad and Blades owner Rob Campbell.

Campbell is the sixth recruit committed for next season, joining goalie Joe Young (Philadelphia Flyers, USPHL) and forwards Mark Dufour (Islanders Hockey Club, USPHL), Cole Maier (Nanaimo Clippers, BCHL), Brendan Taylor (Nanaimo Clippers, BCHL) and Brett Supinski (Coquitlam Express, BCHL).

Footage of Campbell from February 2014




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