What is the story about?
What's Happening?
Finn Kearns, a defenseman for the Sudbury Wolves, has committed to the University of Massachusetts (UMass) to join their hockey program. Kearns, originally from Aurora, Ontario, has had a diverse playing season, splitting his time between St. Andrew's College and the Wolves. During his tenure at St. Andrew's, he scored seven goals and provided 17 assists, totaling 24 points over 55 games. Although he did not score in his five games with the Wolves, Kearns was drafted by them in the eighth round of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection. His previous season with the York Simcoe Express saw him collect six goals and 12 assists in 34 regular season games. Kearns is expected to make a full-time transition to the Wolves next season before heading to UMass in 2027.
Why It's Important?
Kearns' commitment to UMass is significant for both his career and the university's hockey program. As a promising young defenseman, his skills and experience are likely to enhance the Minutemen's roster. This move also highlights the pathway for Canadian players transitioning to U.S. college hockey, which can serve as a stepping stone to professional leagues. For UMass, acquiring a player of Kearns' caliber could strengthen their competitive edge in collegiate hockey, potentially attracting more talent and boosting their performance in upcoming seasons.
What's Next?
Kearns is expected to play a full season with the Sudbury Wolves before joining UMass in 2027. This period will allow him to further develop his skills and gain more experience at the OHL level. His performance with the Wolves will be closely watched as it could impact his role and contributions to the Minutemen once he transitions to college hockey.
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