Two players from the junior hockey ranks have made headlines with recent commitments to prestigious NCAA programs, reflecting the continuous pipeline of talent flowing from the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and beyond. Among them, Will Gerrior, overage forward for the Ottawa 67's, has announced his decision to join the University of Maine Black Bears for the 2025-26 NCAA Division I men's hockey season. Meanwhile, Anchorage Wolverines goaltender Vaughn Makar is heading to St. Norbert College to play NCAA Division III hockey starting this January.
Gerrior, who hails from Halifax, has shown remarkable consistency throughout his time with the Ottawa 67's, amassing 100 points over 200 games. His current season has him on pace to surpass previous point totals with 20 goals and three assists already, putting him on track to net 48 points by season's end. His recent performance can be attributed to his adaptability and skillful play during the absence of captain Luca Pinelli, who left to join Team Canada. Notably, Gerrior has been on fire with a seven-game goal-scoring streak, during which he has tallied nine goals and 11 points.
“Congratulations, Will!” the Ottawa 67’s posted on Twitter, celebrating Gerrior's promising future. Known as “The Generator,” Gerrior has earned this nickname due to his knack for delivering under pressure, often scoring when the team needs it most. His smaller stature doesn't deter him; he plays aggressively, contributing on power plays and penalty kills alike. His experience, including over 200 OHL games and 25 playoff appearances, positions him well for success at the collegiate level, as Maine looks to bolster its roster.
Meanwhile, goaltender Vaughn Makar has similarly decided to take the next step in his hockey career. The native of Anchorage expressed his excitement to join St. Norbert College, stating, “I am excited to announce my commitment to play at St. Norbert College starting this January.” Makar, who had been with the Wolverines for two seasons, posted commendable stats with .883 save percentage and 3.478 goals against average this season, following up on last year's impressive .909 save percentage.
Wolverines head coach Nick Walters praised Makar's dedication and resilience. He explained, “Vaughn’s commitment to St. Norbert College certainly isn’t the way you draw it up or the traditional route most of our players take, but it's a great opportunity for Vaughn to join a top-tier program.” Makar joins a growing list of Wilmington Wolverines players making NCAA commitments, emphasizing the importance of collegiate hockey as both a competitive and educational path.
On another front, the Regina Thunder have bolstered their coaching staff with significant additions to their already successful program. The team has welcomed Chris Getzlaf, the former CFL star and two-time Grey Cup champion, as he returns to the Thunder as an offensive consultant for the 2025 season. Together with Carter Gusway, who transitions from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator, they plan to lead the Thunder’s offensive charge.
Getzlaf, known for his rich history with the Thunder as well as his impressive professional career, stated, “For me, it’s like coming home. I got my start in junior football, and it’s a great opportunity to join this franchise as a coach.” His experience, which includes nearly 6,200 receiving yards and 41 touchdowns during his career, positions him as a valuable asset not only for scheming plays but also for mentoring younger athletes.
Carter Gusway, who initially joined the Thunder as quarterbacks coach last year, is known for his methodical approach and high football IQ. He previously impressed with record-setting numbers as the receivers coach at St. Lawrence University. Gusway expressed anticipation for the upcoming season, stating, “We will have an exciting offense this season with a plan to run a balanced attack with a strong run game and a passing attack...”
With the combined expertise of these new coaches, Thunder head coach Scott MacAulay is optimistic about the future. “The combined expertise of these two outstanding leaders ensures our offense will deliver a balanced, dynamic game plan to thrill fans,” he noted.
These recent developments highlight the ever-evolving world of NCAA hockey commitments and coaching staff dynamics. Whether through player commitments like those of Gerrior and Makar or coaching changes at Regina Thunder, the commitment to growth and excellence remains central to the mission of these hockey programs.