The Okotoks Oilers of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) are pleased to announce that 2004-born defenceman Nick Wolfenberg (Calgary, AB) has committed to attend and play for Cornell University.
Located in Ithaca, New York, the Big Red compete in the NCAA’s Division I ECAC Hockey conference, under 27th-year head coach Mike Schafer.
“It’s been a dream of mine for a long time to be in the Ivy League,” said Wolfenberg. “Cornell is a great academic and athletic fit, with an amazing atmosphere and history, and a team that plays a big, fast, physical style.”
“I’m thankful for my parents, as well as all the coaches, billets, and everyone who’s helped get me to this point.”
In his second year with the Oilers, Wolfenberg has solidified himself as a top AJHL defenceman, currently ranking sixth in the league among defencemen in goals with six and tenth in points with 20 so far in 25 games. Last season, he registered 13 points (3 goals, 10 assists) in 36 games in an injury-shortened rookie campaign. Despite limited opportunity, he still ended the season with a 191st ranking among North American prospects by NHL Central Scouting for the most recent draft.
“We’re extremely happy for Nick to be committing to such a prestigious school,” said Oilers head coach and general manager Tyler Deis. “He has been an impact player for our organization and this is a well deserved opportunity that he’s worked extremely hard to achieve. We’re looking forward to continuing to work with him as he continues to improve and prepare for the next level.”
Wolfenberg was recruited to the Oilers from the Northern Alberta Xtreme, where he led its Elite 15s team in goals by a defenceman with ten in 28 games in 2019-20.
He is the eighth player on this season’s Oilers roster committed to an NCAA Division I school, and the fifth to commit this season, joining:
- Brody Maguire (RPI)
- Kade Turner (Ferris State)
- Rylan Brown (Michigan Tech)
- Jagger Tapper (RPI)
- Sam Huck (Western Michigan)
- Conyr Hellyer (Arizona State)
- Connor Gourley (Arizona State)*
*committed prior to joining Okotoks