MJHL graduating players announce college commitments

Players who suited up for southeast Manitoba Junior Hockey League teams continue to announce their college commitments.

Sam Zagari, who joined the Steinbach Pistons mid-way through the season last year via a trade with the Northern Manitoba Blizzard, will be joining the Neumann University Knights.

The Knights are based out of Pennsylvania and play NCAA Division III hockey. Steinbach goaltender Christian Green, who was born in Pennsylvania, announced his commitment to Neumann earlier this season. Owen Johnston, who played for Selkirk in the MJHL last year, is also set to join the Knights next season.

Zagari had 119 points in his 159-game MJHL career. After joining the Pistons just before the roster deadline in January, the Winnipeg forward nabbed 22 points in 19 games.

Niverville Nighthawks forward Sean Williams, who joined the team mid-way through the season as well, is also heading to a Division III school.

Williams will play for the Oswego State Lakers, who are based out of Upstate New York.

The 2004-born forward joined Niverville after starting the season with the Elmira Aviators of the North American Hockey League and quickly became a fan favourite, bringing a physical edge alongside point-scoring. In 25 regular season games he had 25 points, chipping in four in the playoffs as well.

Fellow Nighthawk Matteo Speranza will be suiting up for the University of Victoria. Speranza, who is from B.C., joined Niverville last season after three seasons in the Saskatchewan junior league, scoring at nearly a point-per-game in the MJHL.

Across 54 games he scored 19 goals and 28 assists, chipping in two playoff goals and earning a spot at the MJHL/SJHL showcase event, where he thrived.

The University of Victoria plays in the B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League.