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Regis Jesuit, Littleton grad Ott finds ‘outstanding’ NCAA Division I opportunity with Niagara

 

After three seasons of junior hockey, Shane Ott will be off to play NCAA Division I next season.

Recently, the 2000-born Centennial native and Janesville Jets (NAHL) forward committed to Niagara University, a small school outside of Buffalo that plays in Atlantic Hockey.

Needless to say, Ott is pumped for the situation.

“I got this opportunity recently, and I was extremely excited to get a call from head coach Jason Lammers and the rest of the staff,” Ott said. “We had a few conversations about the team and university and the opportunity they were presenting with a scholarship. I’m so blessed to be offered by them and the school. It was always a dream of mine to play hockey at the highest level possible and Division I is the next great step in my journey.

“I hadn’t heard much about Niagara beforehand, but after doing some research and talking with them, I found the university is outstanding both on and off the ice. They offer a great choice of academics and the hockey program has been around for a while and has been great. Obviously, at the Division I level, everyone is a great player, so everything is earned. I’m hoping to just be the best player and person I can be coming in as a freshman and learning from the upperclassmen along the way.”

Janesville head coach Parker Burgess and associate head coach Lennie Childs are thrilled for Ott.

“As a staff, we couldn’t be happier for Shane and his family,” the duo said. “’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. We believe it is a great fit for him and the Niagara hockey program. The staff at Niagara are first-class and Shane will continue his development path on and off the ice while at Niagara.”

Ott, a Regis Jesuit hockey grad who also played for the Littleton Hockey Association and Front Range Panthers, compiled 35 goals and 114 points in 115 games from 2018-20 with the AJHL’s Drumheller Dragons before coming back stateside for his last year of juniors with Janesville.

“After playing two seasons in Drumheller, Alberta, I found a great spot in Janesville,” said Ott. “Due to COVID regulations and all the craziness going on in the world, I made the decision to stay and play in the U.S. We have an amazing staff and an amazing team here in Janesville and hoping to continue the organization’s success throughout this season.”

Like his coaches in Janesville said, the goal now turns to team glory for Ott.

“Luckily, I have just surpassed a goal of mine to commit to a Division I school, and now I can develop my skills even more and be the best player I can be to help Janesville win,” Ott said. “And as a team goal, we’re gearing up to win it all this year. There will be lots of adversity on and off the ice, but our team’s goal is to win the NAHL championship.”

Photo/Shelley Schmidt Photography

— Matt Mackinder

(Dec. 4, 2020)

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