Alumni Spotlight: USports Atlantic University Sport

A CCHL Original Article | Alumni Spotlight

Although the majority of Central Canada Hockey League alumni who moved on to the USports level join programs in Ontario, there are also a handful of talent who join schools in Atlantic Canada. During the 2018-19 season, a total of six skaters and two goaltenders were part of programs in the USports Atlantic University Sport Conference. 

Jonathan Cyr, Connor Hicks, Jesse Lussier, and Mike Evelyn were all big pieces at Dalhousie University, while Matt Boudens was a go-to player at the University of New Brunswick and Nathan Pancel had success at Saint Francis Xavier University. 

Heading into 2019-20, another CCHL talent is making the jump to the Atlantic Canada U Sports system as MVP and Defenseman of the Year Zack Hoffman is joining St. Marys University.

Top Performers

F – Jonathan Cyr (2nd Yr) – Dalhousie University

The Kemptville 73’s and Hawkesbury Hawks alumni has been a big part of the offense for Dalhousie University since joining their program in 2017-18. This past season, the Sarsfield, ON native finished 2nd among Tigers skaters with 19 points (8G, 11A) in 30 games of action. A player who brings 110% every shift on both sides of the puck, Cyr is projected as an energy player at the pro level but has offered a nice offensive touch at both the junior and collegiate levels thus far so the projections could be wrong the way he is trending. He will be expected to continue to produce offense heading into his third season with the Tigers.

F – Matt Boudens (5th Yr) – University of New Brunswick

The Pembroke Lumber Kings alumni completed his fifth and final year of collegiate play where he finished with a career best 18 points (6G, 12A) in 28 games of action, helping the University of New Brunswick to a University Cup championship. The Pembroke, ON native is a fast two-way winger with great work ethic and versatility who is always moving his feet and reacting to plays. Although nothing is confirmed, with his college hockey career ending, it is expected that he continues at the professional level in 2019-20. 

F – Nathan Pancel (4th Yr) – St. Francis Xavier University

The Gloucester Rangers alumni wrapped up his fourth season with the X-Men where he finished 8th in team scoring with 11 points (3G, 8A) in 25 games of action. Through 135 career combined regular season and playoff games of collegiate play, the Orleans, ON native has totaled 59 points (30G, 29A). He plays a relentless game around the net and plays much bigger than he is. Is reliable on both sides of the puck.

D – Jesse Lussier (4th Yr) – Dalhousie University

The Hawkesbury Hawks, Kemptville 73’s, and Smiths Falls Bears alumni recently wrapped up his fourth season manning the blue-line at Dalhousie where he led all team defensemen with 9 points (2G, 7A) in just 17 games of action. The Petawawa, ON native is known as a solid two-way defenseman with good size and strength, he will look to finish strong this upcoming season, his final year of college hockey eligibility.

G – Connor Hicks (1st Yr) – Dalhousie University

The Ottawa Jr Senators alumni found himself starting 13 games in his Freshman season at Dalhousie, and although only picking up a single victory, had moments of brilliance and gave the Tigers a chance to pick up points each night. The Kanata, ON native finished with a 4.02 GAA and .916 SV%, while pitching 1 shutout, a 35-save effort against St. Francis Xavier which earned him an Athlete of the Week school honour. The Arts Major is known as a big mobile butterfly goalie who brings a calm presence to the crease and with increased strength and explosiveness could still improve his stock moving forward.