PASSAU, Germany – Colin Campbell becomes the third Laurier men's hockey alum to sign with a professional team in Europe this month.
This past season's team rookie of the year who hails from Mississauga, Ont. will go from the Golden Hawks to the EHF Passau Black Hawks of the Oberliga, the third-tier league in Germany.
Passau sits on the Austrian border and boasts a population of just over 50,000. The Black Hawks finished the 2022-2023 season 11th in the South conference, missing the playoffs but avoiding relegation.
EHF Passau was fourth-last in goals for in the Oberliga last year. Campbell, an offensive defenseman who regularly quarterbacked the Golden Hawks' powerplay last season, will be able to help in that regard.
Somewhat undersized for his position at 5'7", Campbell more than makes up for it with his electric skating and solid two-way play. He finished second in points among Laurier defenders with five goals and eight assists in 2022-2023, his first and only season in the OUA.
He'd previously spent time with the OHL's Guelph Storm and the BCHL's Cowichan Valley Capitals, where he recorded 20 points in 33 games in 2021-2022.
"Colin will be missed here but we're nothing but happy and excited for him," said Laurier manager of men's hockey operations and head coach Kevin Forrest. "We appreciate his time as a Golden Hawk and his efforts in helping raise the bar for his teammates."
"I would like to thank my coaches, teammates, and the staff at Laurier for making this opportunity possible," said Campbell, who will continue working towards his degree with the school online. "Although I have only been at Laurier for one year, it's been a memorable one on and off the ice."
"From what I have experienced, Laurier Athletics is as good as it gets, and I will always be proud to be a Golden Hawk."
