Alumni Spotlight | Hockey East Conference

OTTAWA, ON – Twelve Central Canada Hockey League alumni played for NCAA Hockey East Conference programs during the 2022-23 season. Below we recap the past seasons for Thomas Freel (pictured), Devon Levi, Owen Cole, and Gabriel Carriere. All four of these players played extensive roles with their programs this past season.

THOMAS FREEL (OTTAWA JUNIOR SENATORS) – UNIVERSITY OF MAINE

The Finance Major stepped right into the collegiate ranks as a Freshman and did not look out of place as he finished tops among Black Bears rookie skaters in Goals, Assists, and Points. One of the most determined players to come out of the CCHL in quite awhile, Freel has gone from AA to AAA then from Jr B to Jr A and now NCAA in the past 8-years. The path he is on is working quite well and those who know him have no doubt he will continue to ascend over the next few seasons. 

DEVON LEVI (CARLETON PLACE CANADIANS) – NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY

Arguably the top goaltending prospect in the collegiate ranks over the past three years, Devon Levi once again stole the show with his play in 2022-23. He went on to repeat as NCAA Goaltender of the Year as he once again was named the Mike Richter Award winner. He was also named Hockey East Conference Player of the Year and Goaltender of the Year while also being named a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award as National Player of the Year. Following the season, Levi would sign his entry-level contract with the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres where he would start 7 games and pick up 5 victories. He recently won a Gold Medal with Team Canada at the 2023 World Hockey Championships in Finland. When it comes to players like Devon Levi, the phrase “the sky is the limit” is an easy one to make. We should be hearing his name mentioned at the professional ranks for many years to come. 

OWEN COLE (OTTAWA JUNIOR SENATORS) – UMASS LOWELL

Owen Cole built off his freshman season in 2022-23, continuing to trend upwards by setting career-highs in every statistical category. The Dunville, ON native and Exercise Science Major will look to take an even bigger step forward in 2023-24 when he will surely be given a bigger role on and off the ice.

GABRIEL CARRIERE (KANATA LASERS/OTTAWA JUNIOR SENS – UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT

Carriere has gotten better and better each season with the Catamounts and he definitely reached a new level in 2022-23 as he set career-highs in Minutes Played (1446:26), GAA (2.49) and Saves (636). The Ottawa, ON native continues to be leaned on as the #1 goaltender and it looks like it will continue to be the case heading into the 2023-24 season where more career bests could very well be on the horizon.