Colts’ Van Steensel to play at Clarkson University in 2025-26
Lost in the pre-holiday shuffle, overage forward Owen Van Steensel, then of the North Bay Battalion, announced his commitment to play at Clarkson University heading into the 2025-26 season.
Van Steensel, who was acquired by the Barrie Colts on January 5th, joins a pair of other OHL players in Kitchener Rangers teammates Jackson Parsons and Adrian Misaljevic in committing to the Golden Knights program for next season.
A 20-year-old from Ilderton, Ont. Van Steensel started the season as captain in North Bay, and has collected 13 goals, 17 assists and 30 points over 42 games in his overage season. The 5-foot-10, 185Ib. left wing has proven to be a capable option in all situations through his time in the league, accumulating 75 goals, 103 assists and 178 points over 241 career regular season games. He also owns a career plus/minus rating of plus-64.
Van Steensel was originally selected by North Bay in the fourth round (63rd overall) of the 2020 OHL Priority Selection. He helped the Battalion win three consecutive Central Division championships, advancing to the Eastern Conference Championship Series three years in a row. In 49 career playoff contests, Van Steensel has recorded 15 goals, 21 assists and 36 points.
Clarkson University is in Potsdam, New York. The Golden Knights hockey program has produced some familiar NHL names in current Calgary Flames General Manager Craig Conroy as well as former long-time Los Angeles Kings forward Dave Taylor.
A message from Owen Van Steensel to the @cityofnorthbay and the #7thMan pic.twitter.com/ijt03D6HK2
— North Bay Battalion (@OHLBattalion) January 14, 2025