The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) Engineers have added some serious OHL firepower to their future roster. Brampton Steelheads forward Kieran Witkowski announced his commitment to the program Monday via Instagram, giving the ECAC squad a dynamic, playmaking presence for the years ahead.

"I am excited and honoured to announce my commitment to continue my academics and play NCAA Division 1 hockey at RPI," Witkowski wrote. "Thank you to my family, coaches, teammates and friends who have helped me on this journey."

Standing 5-foot-11 and 176 pounds, the Toronto native may be slightly undersized, but he packs a punch. Witkowski’s journey to the NCAA started with the Toronto Marlboros of the GTHL, where he racked up 41 points in just 35 games over two seasons. That prolific output caught the attention of the then-Mississauga Steelheads, who selected him 35th overall in the 2023 OHL Priority Draft.

His first taste of OHL action was a learning curve—he managed just seven points in 58 games, including three goals, and went scoreless in five playoff appearances. But Witkowski quickly found his stride. In his sophomore season, he exploded for 30 points (12 goals) in 68 games, more than tripling his rookie production. He carried that momentum into his third and final year with the Steelheads, posting a career-high 34 points (14 goals, 20 assists) and showcasing the kind of skill that had fans buzzing all season.

Witkowski will join an RPI squad that finished ninth in the ECAC last season, bringing a blend of experience and offensive upside that could help the Engineers climb the standings. For Steelheads fans, it’s bittersweet to see him go—but for RPI, it’s a major win.