Sean James commits to Mercyhurst

 

The Smiths Falls Bears are pleased to announce that 2002 born Almonte, ON native Sean James has committed to NCAA Mercyhurst University for the 2023-24 school year.

James, who was named CCHL Most Valuable Player during this past season after racking up a league best 93 points (33G, 60A) in 55 games is a game-breaker with a relentless work-ethic who is just scratching the surface.

Speaking with James, he had this to say about his time in the CCHL. “I truly can’t say enough good things about my experience so far in the CCHL as it has been the perfect league for me to develop in. I have had an interesting path in hockey dealing with being cut from AAA as a kid and in my first year of U18. My first year in the CCHL was affected by the pandemic so I knew I had to make the most of my 19-year old season this year. I started off the year a little slow because I wasn’t used to the fast-paced play yet and being around the high skill of the talented players around me.”

Prior to his time in the CCHL, James spent one season with the Westport Rideaus of the Eastern Ontario Junior “B” Hockey League where he was named Rookie of the Year in 2019-20. During the 2018-19 season, he played for the Bears U18 program in the HEO U18 AAA circuit where he led the team in scoring. “I wen’t through the U18AAA system for one season and played Junior B here as well. My family and I have never believed that moving to the USA or Toronto is what you need to do in order to move to the next level. I can’t say enough good things about my experience with the Bears which is why I am choosing to return for my 20-year old season. I have a really good relationship with the GM, Coaches, and Owners as they have helped guide me through my soon to be 5-years with the organization. The relationship I have with my coaches is the thing that makes me want to lead my team to work our hardest for them every game as I know they would do the same for us. I am looking forward to one last go with the Bears before heading to Mercyhurst in 2023 and am excited for next season to play with and against lots of really good players around the league.