London Knights forward Rene Van Bommel has committed to Lake Superior State University in the NCAA, where he will report following the completion of his junior career in the OHL.
Van Bommel, 19, recorded 18 points (7 goals, 11 assists) in 53 regular season games for the Knights during the 2024-25 season. He also accumulated 70 penalty minutes, playing a gritty and physical style of play. When tasked with playing in London’s bottom six, coached by the rugged Dale Hunter, playing with pace and a high work ethic on each shift is a must. Van Bommel performed that role remarkably well.
Although Van Bommel didn’t play every playoff game for the Knights, he did score one of the biggest goals of his career. Noah Read slid a pass to a streaking Van Bommel, who made no mistake and potted home the opening goal of the 2025 OHL Championship Series.
With several impactful players leaving the Knights due to graduating from the junior level or aging out of the league, the 2006-born forward from Strathroy, Ontario has an opportunity in place to play higher up the lineup next season.
Van Bommel has two OHL championship rings and a Memorial Cup victory to his name. Not bad for an 11th round, 217th overall pick. The icing on the cake is being able to continue his playing career while getting an education at Lake Superior State.
Lake Superior State University has recruited three OHL players within the last year. Saginaw Spirit forward Calem Mangone was the second OHL player to commit to an NCAA school, while his teammate Andrew Oke committed back in February.
(Top photo credit: Luke Durda/OHL Images)
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