SMITHS FALLS, ON – The Smiths Falls Bears, in conjunction with the Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL), are thrilled to announce that defenseman DJ Ott has officially committed to Adrian College for the 2026-27 NCAA season.
Ott, a 2005-born native of Sand Creek, Michigan, will be returning to his home state to join one of the most prestigious programs in NCAA Division III hockey. Since joining the Bears, Ott has developed into a cornerstone of the Smiths Falls blueline, blending a high hockey IQ with a physical presence that has made him a fan favorite at the Bears Den.
A Breakout Campaign
The 2025-26 season has been a true “coming out party” for the 5’11”, 185-pound defender. Ott has posted career-high numbers, establishing himself as a premier two-way defenseman in the CCHL.
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | PIM |
| 2025-26 | Smiths Falls Bears | 47 | 14 | 18 | 32 | 34 |
| 2024-25 | Smiths Falls Bears | 19 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 6 |
His 14 goals this season highlight an offensive growth that saw him named to the 2026 CCHL All-Star roster. Ott’s ability to quarterback the power play and log heavy minutes against opponents’ top lines has been a major factor in the Bears’ push for a top seed in the Robinson Division.
Joining the Bulldogs
In committing to Adrian College, Ott joins a program with a winning pedigree. The Bulldogs, based in Adrian, Michigan, are perennial contenders in the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association (NCHA) and captured the NCAA Division III National Championship in 2022.
“We are incredibly proud of DJ and his commitment to such a high-level program,” said Smiths Falls Bears director of Hockey Ops Josh Filoso. “DJ has worked tirelessly on his game since arriving here. His growth as a leader and a shutdown defender has been vital to our success. Seeing him get the opportunity to play close to home for a program like Adrian is a testament to his hard work.”
Continuing the Legacy
Ott’s commitment further solidifies the Smiths Falls Bears’ reputation as a premier destination for player development and collegiate advancement. He joins fellow teammates like Davis Hails (St. John Fisher) and Tyson Parker (Utica) in the growing list of Bears moving on to the NCAA ranks next season.
While Ott’s future in Michigan is bright, his immediate focus remains on bringing a CCHL championship back to Smiths Falls.
The entire Bears organization congratulates DJ and the Ott family on this massive achievement
