Alumni College Spotlight | Atlantic Hockey Conference

by Sean Marcellus @snmarcellus / CCHL Director of Hockey Operations

During the 2017-18 season, a total of 30 Central Canada Hockey League alumni were active in the NCAA’s Atlantic Hockey Conference, which included 9 Seniors, 9 Juniors, 3 Sophomores, and 9 Freshmen. Of the 29 alum, 9 of the 12 CCHL teams were represented.

Graduating players like Zach Todd, Derian Plouffe, and Andrew Debrincat all jumped into the pro ranks at seasons end, while names like Erik Brown, Francis Marotte, Matt Tugnutt, Felix Chamberland, and Eric Israel look to build off of strong seasons moving into next year where they will be leaned on even more. 
 

Top Performers

F – Erik Brown (JR) – RIT 

The Brockville Braves and Kemptville 73’s alumni put up a whopping 29 goals which tied him for 2nd most in the country (with fellow CCHL alumni Ryan Kuffner). Brown finished the season with a career best 42 points in 37 games and was named an AHA First Team All-Star. Brown also took home a number of school honours. He was recently named a team captain for the upcoming 2018-19 season. 

F – Derian Plouffe (SR) – Niagara University

The Kanata Lasers and Smiths Falls Bears alum led his club in scoring with 17 goals and 35 points in 35 games and was named an AHA Third Team All-Star. Following his school year he signed a Professional Amateur Tryout with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies, posting 3 assists in 10 games. 

G – Francis Marotte (SO) – Robert Morris University *Pictured

The former Nepean Raiders net-minder who set the CCHL record for Minutes Played (3,220) in 2015-16 started 38 games for the Colonials and posted an impressive 17-15-3 record with a .917 SV%, 2.56 GAA, and 3 Shutouts. He attended the Vancouver Canucks Summer Development Camp last year and is expected to get more experience on that level this coming summer as well. 

Graduate Appreciation

D – Zach Todd – Mercyhurst University

The Senior defenseman who played 2 seasons with the Brockville Braves (2011-13) finished 2nd in team blue-line scoring with 26 points (3G, 23A) in 37 games of action. In 4 seasons with the Lakers, the Holden, MA native totaled 53 points (10G, 43A) in 104 games.  At the conclusion of the season, Todd signed with the ECHL’s Atlanta Gladiators.

Freshman Focus

F – Matt Tugnutt – Sacred Heart University

The Freshman forward and graduate of the Kemptville 73’s organization where he spent 5 seasons (2012-17) had a tremendous rookie campaign with Sacred Heart, finishing 5th in team scoring (7G, 17A for 24 points) in 36 games.

Player Stats