“At 6-foot-5, he moves great, is technically quiet and plays the puck great. I expect he’ll be attractive in next year’s NHL draft.”
Goaltender William Camputaro of the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s St. Michael’s Buzzers has confirmed his commitment to join the NCAA Division I University of Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks beginning with the 2027-28 season.
Camputaro, 16, is 5-3-1-0 with a 2.36 goals-against average and .925 save percentage with the Buzzers through the first half of the OJHL season.
“We are thrilled to see Willy commit to Nebraska-Omaha,” Rich Ricci, St. Michael’s General Manager and Head Coach, told the OJHL. “They have pursued him vigorously for months and their work paid off. Willy is a laid-back guy, generally, with a great focus on his path. He is a well liked teammate and has a team-first mentality.
Camputaro signed with St. Michael’s this season from the Toronto Jr. Canadiens’ U16 program. The North York resident was a fourth-round pick of the Soo Greyhounds in this year’s Ontario Hockey League U16 draft.
“We’ve had our eyes on him for a long time,” Ricci said. “He falls into the current NHL prototype of size combined with athletic ability. At 6-foot-5, he moves great, is technically quiet and plays the puck great. I expect he’ll be attractive in next year’s NHL draft.
“We look forward to seeing Willy’s progress the rest of this year and beyond.”
Camputaro was sold on the Mavericks following a recent trip to Omaha.
“The decision to commit to Nebraska Omaha was confirmed during my visit to the university,” he told the OJHL. “I was very impressed how all the staff and players spoke so highly of the city, the campus, and the hockey program. I witnessed the commitment and dedication that the coaching staff have made to player development. The Mavericks have an unbelievable support system that helps each player succeed in their academic and hockey goals. The culture there is second to none, and the program is one-of-a-kind.”
The young netminder also had plenty of praise for St. Michael’s and the OJHL.
“My time with the Buzzers so far has been unforgettable,” he said. “From the first second I stepped into the dressing room, I felt at home. The development in the OJHL is like no other and I am thankful for the opportunity and the many valuable lessons that have helped me develop into the goalie I am today.”
“Playing under coaches Rich Ricci and Vic Criscuolo has taught me to always stay on my toes because the future only holds more for a young goalie. The tradition the players have carried on from past years is incredible.
“My goalie partner, Jacob Gorinsky, has taught me to be a sponge and to take in all the advice I can get to better improve myself. My experience with the Buzzers has led me to this commitment, and for this, I am grateful.”
The Buzzers are off until Dec. 20 when they host the Stouffville Spirit.
Congratulations to William and best of luck in the OJHL and NCAA!
