MISSISSAUGA, ON – The Mississauga Steelheads announced today, the signing of goaltender Jack Ivankovic to a Standard Player Agreement.
“We are super excited to have Jack signed to play for his hometown team,” said James Richmond, the Steelheads Head Coach and General Manager. “He is a tremendous young man with great character. He is undoubtedly the best goalie at his age group and we look forward to being part of his development. To win a championship a Team needs great goaltending, with the addition of Jack we believe we are well on our way.”
A Mississauga native, Ivankovic was selected 7th overall in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection this April. He was also the first goaltender selected in the draft and highest selected since the Sarnia Sting took Ben Gaudreau seventh overall in 2019. The 5’11” netminder played for the U16 Mississauga Senators this past season and posted a .914 save percentage and a 3.03 goals against average in the OHL Cup. He also took part in the Canada Winter Games this past February backstopping for Team Ontario and helping them secure a gold medal.
Ivankovic commented on signing with the hockey club. “Signing with the Mississauga Steelheads is a dream come true for me and my entire family. It’s a chance to represent my hometown and community. I am excited to wear the Steelhead’s jersey and play for the fans where I watched so many games growing up. Thanks again to Mr. Kerr, Coach Richmond and Kyrzakos and all of the coaching staff.”
Known for his ability to steal games, Ivankovic bolsters the goaltending position even further for Mississauga. The 15-year old is excited to play for his hometown team and is driven to help the Steelheads win.
“I think I’m going to bring a lot of hard work and just my ability to stop the puck” he stated after first being drafted to the team “and to do whatever I can to help the team.”
OHL Central Scouting says: “Jack is one of the top goalies in this age group. He has been very consistent all year and it started with him leading his team to the Titan tournament championship. He is a very athletic and agile goalie that has made numerous highlight reel saves. His quickness in the crease is one of his biggest assets and his lateral movement is outstanding. He plays a hybrid style, and does what he needs to do to make saves. He gives his team a chance to win every game that he starts and he is a battler that hates to be scored on.”
