OSHAWA, Ont. – The Ridgebacks men's hockey program is pleased to announce Marko Jakovljevic as their most recent commitment for the 2021-22 season.
 
The 6'4 207-pound defenceman, from Brantford, Ont. was a second round selection in the OHL's U-18 Draft in 2017, playing three seasons and 143 games with the Sarnia Sting.
 
"I'm very excited to start the next chapter of my hockey and academic career," said Jakovljevic. "I'm looking forward to joining what is already a great hockey program and helping build something special in the coming years. I want to thank my family and coaches who have supported me on this journey and the Ridgebacks team for welcoming me to the fold."
 
Jakovljevic already had a connection to the Ridgebacks as he is trained in the offseason by former Ridgebacks' captain Luke VanMoerkerke, who is the owner and head strength coach at Athlete Farm Training in Brantford.
 
"We are thrilled to be able to add Marko to our Ridgebacks' family," said head coach Curtis Hodgins. "His size and mobility on the back end will be a nice complement to our defensive group and his character and personality will be a great fit within our dressing room. Marko has been very fortunate this year to be able to find playing opportunities with two great junior hockey organizations in Trenton and Amherst and that has allowed him to continue his development in preparation for stepping into U SPORTS hockey in the fall."
 
This season in the MHL, so far, he has recorded 12 points in 13 games with the Amherst Ramblers.
 
"Marko has been a force since coming to Amherst," said Ramblers GM Jeff Leblanc. "He's a natural leader on and off the ice. Ontario Tech is getting a very good player and person."
 
Jakovljevic will be studying business or kinesiology in the fall.