Oakland ACHA DI Hockey General Manager Corey Hagood is pleased to announce that goalie Wyatt Sloetjes has committed to Oakland. Sloetjes comes to Oakland after playing last season for the St. Thomas Stars (GOJHL) and the Essex 73s (PJCHL).
“We are extremely excited for Wyatt’s commitment, he’s a proven junior goalie that is coming in and able to learn behind our seniors, while also pushing them to new heights,” Oakland head coach Nick Mammel stated. “Having Wyatt is a huge blessing for our staff and we can’t wait to work with him, some of his strengths will be his size and lateral mobility, he will be a staple in the net in our future.”
“Coach Nick (Mammel) has been fantastic right from the start. Sloetjes said about his recruitment. “He was very flexible with arranging a tour, answered any questions I had quickly, guiding me through the application process, and connecting me with future teammates my age.”
“I am really looking forward to attending Oakland.” Sloetjes stated. “When I did the tour I liked the campus and felt that the school would be a good fit for me. I am excited to start the next chapter of my life and hockey development as well as be part of the Golden Grizzlies team.”
In 35 games in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL) Sloetjes recorded a 3.72 goals against average and a save percentage of 90%, while is 35 games in the Provincial Junior Hockey League (PJCHL) he recorded a 3.68 goals against average and a save percentage of 91%
“Wyatt came to us down the stretch and was the pillar of our playoff run to the finals.” Mike Pailey Essex 73s general manager said. “He is a great teammate and hard worker, with the desire to win and compete every night. We wish him the best at Oakland and I am positive he will make an impact with the Grizzlies program.”
The welcoming feeling he received was a big reason to commit. “Right from the beginning, the interactions with Coach Nick and one of the players (Andrew Morrison), I got a welcoming feeling.” Sloetjes said “After touring the facilities and hearing from Andrew what it was like to play at OU, it felt like an atmosphere and team that I wanted to be part of.”
As a highly competitive and hard working goalie, Sloetjes will help to for Oakland “I am a highly competitive, dedicated, hard working individual who always strives to do my best and be a valued contributor to my team.”
” I am an active, athletic goalie who likes to play the puck and communicate with my teammates.” Sloetjes added.
While at Oakland Sloetjes will study Environmental Science, where he says he “will enjoy plenty of hands-on experience in the field.”
Graphic By OU Hockey Alum Joseph Guenther