Jamestown, NY – Rebels forward and team Captain, Eric Olson, has announced his commitment to play Division III hockey at Stevenson University beginning in the fall. Olson, the second Rebels player to announce his commitment this year, sees large amounts of upside in his choice.
“I committed to Stevenson University because it’s an up-and-coming program with a school committed to building a national powerhouse,” said Olson. “Attending Stevenson will allow me to get an education and prepare me to continue on to pro hockey should I decide to pursue that.”
The 21-year-old forward completed his third NAHL campaign this past year, having posted career totals of 28 goals and 36 assists for 64 points over 120 regular season NAHL games. Olson, a native of Calgary, AB, began his junior career north of the border in the Alberta Junior Hockey League with the Spruce Grove Saints during the 2016-17 season, where he recorded 13 points (4 goals, 9 assists) in 56 games played.
The following season, Olson joined the Rebels organization in Philadelphia and in another 56 games played, put up 20 points (9 goals, 11 assists) in his first NAHL season. With the Rebels moving to Jamestown, Olson returned to Canada, joining the West Kelowna Warriors of the British Columbia Hockey League for 25 games (2 goals, 4 assists) before returning to the Rebels in Jamestown in early 2019. Olson suited up in just 11 games during the 18-19 campaign for the Rebels before succumbing to injury, recording 8 points (1 goal, 7 assists). Olson returned better than ever for the 2019-20 season, taking on a leadership role and being named Captain during his final junior season.
“Something that I’ll take away from my time with the Rebels is the work ethic,” Olson continued. “A huge part of the Rebels culture is the commitment to maximum effort every time you step on the ice, and that will be an asset for me on and off the ice at Stevenson.”
Olson had a terrific farewell season in Jamestown, leading the team in goal-scoring with 18 goals and putting up 36 total points in 53 games, while having his career-year cut short by the NAHL’s cancellation of the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Olson became a fan-favorite among Rebels fandom, often delivering hard hits and fights along with his goal-scoring touch, showcasing the work ethic preached throughout the team. Olson felt the love from the fans and was quick to return the favor.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity I was given by the Rebels organization,” said Olson on his time in Jamestown. “I would like to thank the coaching staff, my teammates and the fans.”
Stay up-to-date on all Rebels news by following the team on all social media platforms.
