Alumni Spotlight | NCAA Atlantic Hockey Conference

A CCHL Original Article | Alumni Spotlight

During the 2018-19 season, a total of 29 Central Canada Hockey League alumni were active in the NCAA’s Atlantic Hockey Conference, which included 7 Seniors, 3 Juniors, 9 Sophomores, and 10 Freshmen. Of the 29 alum, 9 of the 12 CCHL teams were represented.

Graduating players like Erik Brown, Felix Chamberland, and Johnny Curran have moved into the pro ranks, while the likes of Shawn Cameron, Matt Tugnutt, Nick Lalonde, Francis Marotte, and Brian Wilson all look to build on their successful college careers moving into next season.

Heading into 2019-20, three more players with CCHL ties begin their college careers in the Atlantic Hockey Conference as Ottawa Jr Senators Darcy Walsh (Robert Morris), Carleton Place Canadians Cade Townend (Mercyhurst), and Carleton Place Canadians (2016-2018) Justin Cmunt (Mercyhurst) all enter their respective programs.

Top Performers

F – Erik Brown (SR) – Rochester Institute of Technology 

Although the team captain at RIT had a down year point-wise (29), the Keene, ON native still managed to lead the Tigers with 18 goals in 37 games of action, which placed him tied for 7th in the country. The Brockville Braves and Kemptville 73’s alumnus racked up a RIT program record 70 goals and 115 points in his 4 seasons of collegiate play. At seasons end, he signed an amateur tryout with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies where he suited up for 3 games before being released. He will have options going into the 2019-20 season on where he wants to continue his pro career. He is currently attending Development Camp with the New York Islanders.

D – Eric Israel (SR) – Robert Morris University

The Brockville Braves alumni put together yet another strong season in the NCAA ranks, finishing with 22 points (7G, 15A) in 33 games of action. His total points placed him 6th overall in the Conference among blue-liners. He finished his collegiate career with 85 points (21G, 64A) in 146 games, which was 2nd overall in Career Points by a Defenseman in program history. His future in hockey is not yet known, but he is expected to garner interest from pro teams this offseason. 

G – Francis Marotte (JR) – Robert Morris University 

The former Nepean Raiders net-minder has been a master of consistency at the NCAA level and this past season was no different. Marotte set the all-time record for Wins at Robert Morris University with 50 over the course of three seasons. In mid-May, the Longueuil, QC native announced he would be transferring to Clarkson University for the 2019-20 season.

Graduate Appreciation

F – Felix Chamberland – Canisius College

The Senior forward completed his fourth season on a healthy note after an early season injury forced him to the sidelines for 14 games. In the end, Chamberland finished with 10 points (5G, 5A) in 22 games. Over his four seasons at Canisius, the former Pembroke Lumber Kings star totaled 68 points (27G, 41A) in 136 games of action. At seasons end, he joined the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye on an Amateur Tryout where he picked up 1 assist in 5 games. The Quebec City, QC native officially signed a 1-year contract with Briançon in France for the 2019-20 season. 

Freshman Focus

F – Nick Lalonde – Robert Morris University

The Freshman forward who spent four years in the CCHL with both the Cornwall Colts and Ottawa Jr Senators strung together a strong first year on a young Colonials team. The Brooklyn, ON native led all first year skaters on the team with 16 points (7G, 9A) in 40 games. Moving into his Sophomore season, he will be leaned on to take on a bigger role with 3 of the top 6 offensive players graduating.