Alumni Spotlight: NCAA Atlantic Hockey Conference

During the 2019-20 season, a total of thirty-one Central Canada Hockey League alumni were active in the NCAA’s Atlantic Hockey Conference, which included 3 Seniors, 10 Juniors, 11 Sophomores, and 7 Freshmen.

While the likes of former CCHL MVP Shawn Cameron and Neil Robinson completed their final seasons of collegiate play, a large plethora of talent will return for more NCAA seasoning in 2020-21.

Kemptville 73’s alumni Matt Tugnutt, just as he did while in the CCHL, continues to progress each year and will look to continue that heading into his Senior season. On May 5th it was announced that Tugnutt has transferred to Providence College of the NCAA Hockey East Conference for this coming season. 

Jack Billings, after red-shirting in 2018-19 following a transfer from NCAA Division 3 Salve Regina, had a tremendous first season with Niagara, leading his school in scoring. 

Other notable players such as Connor Jean, Matt Lombardozzi, Grant Hebert, and Brian Wilson had strong seasons and are expected to continue their progression heading into the next school year.

Looking into 2020-21, two more CCHL alumni are scheduled to join Atlantic Hockey Conference programs as David Lafrance (Rockland Nationals) and Tyler Orban (Nepean Raiders) both join the hockey program at Robert Morris University.

MATT TUGNUTT | SACRED HEART UNIVERSITY

After racking up 72 points (30G, 42A) over 97 games with Sacred Heart University, Tugnutt now transfers to Providence College for his senior campaign where he looks to help the Friars contend in the NCAA Hockey East Conference.  The Peterborough, ON native and Kemptville 73’s alumnus is coming off his most productive season of collegiate hockey where he totaled 30 points (14G, 16A) in 31 games of action. Off the ice, Tugnutt earned Atlantic Hockey All-Academic Team honours.

JACK BILLINGS  | NIAGARA  UNIVERSITY

After red-shirting in 2018-19 after his transfer from NCAA D3 Salve Regina, Jack Billings made his presence known in a big way during his first season with Niagara, leading the Purple Eagles in scoring with 27 points (12G, 15A) in 34 games. The offensive-minded forward and Brockville Braves alum, who studies Business was also named an Atlantic Hockey Conference Academic All-Star. 

SHAWN CAMERON | ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

The former Navan Grads star and CCHL MVP  led the Tigers in scoring in his Senior campaign with a career-best 18 goals and 29 points in 36 games of action. He was also a star in the classroom as he was named to the Atlantic Hockey All-Academic Team. He finished his Tigers career with 71 points (35G, 36A) in 140 games. With his college hockey now complete, Cameron is expected to make the jump to the professional ranks in 2020-21.

MATT LOMBARDOZZI | BENTLEY  UNIVERSITY

The Leominster, MA native and two-time CCHL champion with the Carleton Place Canadians definitively turned it up a notch in his Junior season with Bentley University where he totaled 13 points (2G, 11A) in 33 games of action. On top of accounting for more offense from the blue-line than in years past, Lombardozzi finished with a +10 rating as one of the top shutdown defensemen on his club. Heading into his Senior year, he will be expected to take on an even bigger role and eat up more minutes.

NEIL ROBINSON | COLLEGE OF THE HOLY CROSS

The Pointe-Claire, QC native really came into his own over the past two seasons at the College of the Holy Cross. After totaling just 6 points over his first 30 games of collegiate hockey, Robinson put up 38 points (15G, 24A) over his past 63 games, including a team leading 23 points (10G, 13A) in 36 games this past season. With his college career now at a close, the former Brockville Braves standout is expected receive a tryout to play professionally this upcoming season.

GRANT HEBERT | ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY

The Navan Grads alumni and former CCHL MVP  battled injuries in his Sophomore season at Robert Morris University but was still able to produce when healthy. He finished the campaign with 12 points (5G, 7A) in 17 games of action, his .706 PTS/GP was third best on the Colonials roster. Heading into his Junior season, Hebert is expected to be given a more prominent role as RMU looks to improve on their 7th place finish in 2019-20.

PLAYER STATS