Grizzlys captain Jack Goranson will be skating for the York University Lions next season in Toronto.
The Lions program had been eyeing the defenceman as early as October, watching several more games during the season. Eventually Goranson, 20, met with the coach, flew to the school for a visit and committed to the program.
He was impressed by the team's emphasis on academic success but also winning on the ice. York finished first in the OUA (Ontario University Athletics) West regular season this past year.
"I went there and wasn't really sure what to expect and the guys told me, 'We like to do well in school first and foremost, but at the same time, we like to push ourselves athletically.' That's what I was impressed with most," Goranson said.
For his first year, he'll be taking business and philosophy courses as part of an undeclared major. He is leaning toward studying business.
While visiting York, he was also impressed by the city's diversity.
"After talking with the head of athletics, he had mentioned ... if you're going to be involved with business or anything, you have to be accustomed to an ethnically diverse population and be comfortable in those environments," he said.
Goranson spent three seasons with the Grizzlys, amassing 18 goals, 55 assists in 155 games. He also leaves an example to be followed by head coach Dana Lattery's young team.
"So many younger kids talked about him in their exit interviews and how they want to be just like Jack and the leader he was," Lattery said.
"He knew the greater purpose of the team and that's what made him such a special leader."
