Brekelmans signed
NORTH BAY, Ont. — The North Bay Battalion has signed left winger Austin Brekelmans to an education and development agreement, the Ontario Hockey League club announced Tuesday.
The Battalion picked Brekelmans, a resident of Strathroy, Ont., in the seventh round of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection from the Elgin Middlesex Canucks U16s.
He has scored 38 goals and earned 40 assists for 78 points in 53 games with the Culver Military Academy Prep team of Culver, Ind., this season. With the Culver 16U squad in 2024-25, he had 29 goals and 32 assists for 61 points in 46 games.
Brekelmans, who stands six feet and weighs 188 pounds, turns 18 next Sunday. His signing follows by days that of Culver teammate Kam Hodgson, a centre from Midhurst, Ont.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Austin to our organization,” said general manager John Winstanley. “He’s a player we’ve tracked very closely since selecting him. His work ethic, consistency and commitment to playing the right way make him a great fit for our group. He adds to our culture and reinforces the standard we’re continuing to build.”
Brekelmans said he is “honoured to be welcomed within the respected organization of the North Bay Battalion.”
“I’m ready to embrace the strength and tradition this organization is known for. Thank you to my family, teammates and coaches for all their support throughout my journey. Eager to don the Battalion jersey and to give this city my absolute best.”
Like Hodgson, Brekelmans played one preseason game with the Battalion last August and is to join the club in 2026-27.
