Blue Ridge Adds NCAA D1 Goaltending Product Jack O'Dea for '26-27 Campaign

by Brett Wiseman

WYTHEVILLE, VA-

The Blue Ridge Bobcats, proud members of the FPHL, are pleased to announce the signing of rookie goaltender Jack O'Dea to a PTO contract for the 2026-2027 season.

The Brighton, Massachusetts native brings an elite amateur playing background to the Bobcats, competing in high-level high school hockey at St. Joseph Prep and Brighton Academy before spending four seasons at the highest level of collegiate hockey in the US, NCAA Division 1, with the Pioneers of Sacred Heart University. The 5'10" 165lb goaltender also spent time on the international stage, posting a 1.50 GAA in 4 starts at the 2024 Ireland Development Cup. 

“Adding a goaltender with Jack's NCAA Division I background is a huge addition for our organization, and we're thrilled to welcome him to Blue Ridge,” said Head Coach and General Manager of Hockey Operations, Vojtech Zemlicka. 

“When you spend four years competing every day in a NCAA Division I program, you're developing habits, discipline and a level of competitiveness that prepares you to step into professional hockey. Jack is an explosive, athletic goaltender who never quits on a play. He tracks the puck exceptionally well, competes through traffic, and has the quickness to make momentum-changing saves. He's the type of goalie who gives his team confidence because he battles for every inch of the crease and refuses to back down when the game gets difficult. We believe his skill set and his experience against high-level NCAA competition will transition extremely well to the FPHL. He's hungry for an opportunity to prove himself, and we're excited to give him that chance. We expect him to push our group every day, compete for wins every time he's in the crease, and help contribute to our championship-caliber culture.”

Season tickets are on sale now to see O'Dea and the rest of the Bobcats when they hit the #HitachiEnergyArena ice in just 65 days at blueridgebobcats.com/26-27-season-tickets