OTTAWA – The Ottawa Junior Senators are pleased to announce the signing of 18-year-old defenseman Robbie Stewart, who spent last season with Ridley College.
The 6’3, 185 lbs, St. Catharines native, recorded three goals and 13 assists for 16 points in 17 games with the Ridley College Tigers this past season and earned five games at the junior level with the Pelham Panthers of the GOJHL.
“Our assistant coach Jamie Mayo watched him all winter and seemed pretty certain that he could be a player at our level, said head coach Martin Dagenais. He came highly recommended by Mike McCourt who runs the program at Ridley College. All the players that he’s sent us over the years have been excellent for us. Once he adjusts to the caliber of play of the CCHL, we are confident that Robbie will become a reliable two-way defenseman.”
The young defenseman will add some much-needed size to the backend with the departures of Tucker McIntosh, Bailey Brant and Faisal Alsaif to NCAA programs, Wyatt Villalta to Sault College’s Aviation program, and Michael Eftimovski who was recently traded to Cornwall.
“I’m a big body defender who plays a strong and hard defensive game in my own end, said Stewart. I also like to jump into the rush when the time is right to try and create some scoring opportunities.”
The Jr. Senators have been a hot landing spot for Ridley alumni’s including Owen Cole, Colin Marshall, Cole Spencer and Maxime Blanchard who took their talents to Ottawa to pursue the CCHL and what the program had to offer.
“When looking at places to further my hockey career, it was clear to me that the Jr Senators would be a great fit, added Stewart. They have always had a great organization and program with a lot of team success as well as player development. I knew Ottawa would be the right place for me to grow as a person and player. After talking to former teammates of mine who have also chosen to play in Ottawa, all I heard was great things, and I wanted to be a part of that.”
With the CCHL postseason being canceled due to the global pandemic, the Jr. Senators will remain the two time defending Bogart and Fred Page Cup champions, Stewart is looking to be a piece to keep the Jr. Senators atop the CCHL while having his eyes on an NCAA commitment.
“I’m excited to get things going in Ottawa and start the year with the new team. I hope to continue on with the team’s accomplishments in previous years to make this season another great one with lots of success. I’m really looking forward to working hard and make a positive impact on the team. My long terms goals include continuing on with my hockey career using the experience I get in Ottawa to keep playing at the university level.”
The Ottawa Jr. Senators Evaluation Camp is slated for mid-August. The official dates will be out next week. For those who wish to participate, the registration form is available on the team’s website.
