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Whitby Fury defenseman Jonathan O'Hara has decided to play his college hockey at Mercyhurst University in the Atlantic Hockey Association. The Penetang, Ontario native is in his second with the Fury organization in the Ontario Junior Hockey League. He previously played for the North Central Predators midget organization and his hometown Penetang Kings in the GMOHL.
"Jonthan is a late bloomer who we recruited after his North Central AAA minor hockey career and one year with the Jr. C Penetang Kings," explained Whitby general manager Frank Robinson.
The six-foot O'Hara has three goals and 11 assists in 31 games played so far this season after registering a goal and 12 assists all of last season.
"After an up and down first year where he adjusted to the stronger, faster play in Jr. A, he has really had a solid year with the Fury this year," said Robinson, a veteran of both minor and junior hockey administration in Canada.
Scouts and college recruiters began to take notice of the 1995-born O'Hara this fall.
"He was invited to the Canada East selection camp due to his fine play and now is rewarded by the Mercyhurst Lakers where he will start his Division I career in 2015," said Robinson.
Jeff Cox covers college and junior hockey, NCAA recruiting, NHL Draft prospects and the AHL for SBNation. Follow him on twitter @JeffCoxSBNation.