Another promising young player from the OHL has announced his commitment to play Division 1 hockey in the NCAA following the end of his OHL tenure.
On Thursday afternoon, Sarnia Sting forward Beckham Edwards announced his commitment to the University of Notre Dame via his Instagram.
Edwards put together an impressive rookie campaign with the Sting last season. He made his presence known immediately as a 16-year-old, scoring 11 points (6 goals, 5 assists) in his first 11 games to start the year. Then and there, the Sting organization knew they had a special young player on their hands.
Unfortunately, with the new landscape between the CHL and NCAA, Sarnia may have Edwards for only one more season.
The Komoka, Ontario, native finished the year with 45 points in 62 games, fifth-best amongst rookies, and second-best amongst 2008-born players. His 25 goals were second-most amongst rookies, trailing only the 2024-25 Rookie of the Year winner, Pierce Mbuyi.
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Edwards recently won bronze at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup while representing Canada. He finished the tournament with two goals, one assist, and a +7 in five games. He operated in a middle-six role and was utilized consistently on the penalty kill, where he showcased his ability to pressure puck carriers with his speed. Despite not being a top producer for his team at the event, scouts came away impressed, especially with his elevated play in third periods.
Unlike Adam Valentini, who fast-tracked his education to play in the NCAA a year early, Sarnia will have its star goal-scorer back for the upcoming season. It’s a draft year for Edwards, and scouts have already started to label him as a player who could go in the first round.
Scott Wheeler of The Athletic recently released his 2026 NHL draft preseason rankings. He ranked Edwards as the 25th best skater, two spots above his partner in crime in Sarnia, Alessandro Di Iorio.
“Edwards is a sneaky-strong, hard-shooting forward. He’s strong on pucks and can drive the net in control. He’s got good dexterity catching and handling bad passes into his pocket. And he also knows how to go to the inside and use the space he has left behind to involve his linemates,” said Wheeler.
Edwards has joined fellow 2008-born players Pierce Mbuyi, Braidy Wassilyn, and Brooks Rogowski, all of whom have committed to the NCAA following their rookie seasons in the OHL.
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