Janesville forward Ott makes NCAA D1 commitment
Shane Ott has two goals in four games with the Jets so far this season (photo by Shelley Schmidt photography).
The Janesville Jets, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), are pleased to announce that forward Shane Ott has committed to play NCAA Division 1 hockey for the Niagara Purple Eagles of Atlantic Hockey.
“It means a lot to me to finally commit to play Division I. It’s been a lifelong goal of mine to get to this point, so it’s really exciting and a little relieving,” Ott said. “I can’t wait to get things going and work hard at Niagara.”
Ott is the first college commitment of the 2020-21 season for the Jets, and the first under new head coach Parker Burgess. He is the 9th player on the roster who has committed to an NCAA Division 1 school.
The 6’1/180 lbs. native of Centennial, Colorado, is playing in his first season with the Jets this year and has scored two goals in four games. Ott was tendered by the Jets in July of 2020.
“As a staff we couldn’t be happier for Shane and his family. Otter came to Janesville to earn a Division I scholarship and achieve that goal. He’s checked that box now and can focus attention now on his development and our pursuit of the Robertson Cup,” A statement from Burgess and associate head coach Lennie Childs said. “We believe it is a great fit for him and the Niagara hockey program. The staff at Niagara are first-class ad Shane will continue his development path on and off the ice while at Niagara.”
Prior to arriving in Janesville, the 20-year-old spent two seasons in the Alberta Junior Hockey League with the Drumheller Dragons. In 115 total games, Ott tallied 114 points, 35 goals and 79 assists. As a high school player for Regis Jesuit High School, he scored a whopping 88 points over the course of 49 games.
Ott joins head coach Jason Lammers’ squad at Niagara, who is currently in his third season. Despite being a newer NCAA team, inaugurated at the varsity level in 1996, the Purple Eagles have made four NCAA tournament appearances. Niagara also won the CHA tournament crown in 2000, 2004 and 2008 and was the CHA regular season champion in 2000, 2006 and 2007. Since joining Atlantic Hockey in 2010, the Purple Eagles earned one conference title in 2013.
“I chose Niagara University because they have excellent academics as well as hockey,” Ott said. “I’ve built a great relationship with the coaches and staff at the school and loved everything that they have in their vision moving forward with the program. I’m looking forward to this opportunity and next step in my life.”
With two seasons already under his belt in Canadian juniors, Ott brings a veteran presence to Janesville and has made a quick impact. He’s looking to use his experience to the best of his ability in the next chapter.
“I hope to take everything I’ve learned both on and off the ice here from the Jets and from my three years of junior hockey, and to be a great player and an even better person,” Ott said.
Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list
