The Laval Rocket, a reputable hockey team, has recently publicized the addition of University of Ottawa attacking players Anthony Poulin, Bradley Chenier, Charles-Antoine Roy, and defender Brendon Clavelle to its team on an Amateur Tryouts (ATO) basis. This fresh batch of players are known for their substantial contribution in aiding the uOttawa Gee-Gees to secure the first-ever University Cup in the history of the institution in March.
The Gee-Gees, notably starting the tournament as the 8th seed, stunned the audience by emerging victorious against prestigious institutions such as the first ranked University of New Brunswick, fourth placed Toronto Metro University, and third positioned Concordia University. It’s noteworthy to mention that this well-deserved national award marks a significant achievement in each of these players’ fourth sports seasons.
Anthony Poulin, a pillar of strength and strategy, has been an imperative part for the past three sports seasons of the Gee-Gees, leading the team as a captain. His contribution to the team has been solid, netting three goals and collecting 14 points in 26 encounters this term. Strengthening his stats, he offered two assists in three games during the University Cup.
Before coming to the limelight in the university setting, Poulin spent crucial time across five seasons with the QMJHL’s Blainville-Boisbriand Armada and Victoriaville Tigres. During his tenure with the Tigres in the 2019-20 season, he wore the captain’s armband, reflecting his leadership qualities.
Bradley Chenier, another standout, topped uOttawa’s scoring chart, driving home 13 goals and putting forward seven assists in 28 clashes. Importantly, Chenier also ensured to make his mark in the University Cup games, where he co-led the team with two goals in three games.
Chenier’s hockey journey didn’t begin at the university; the 26-year-old player has a rich record of participating in 263 career OHL games, featuring for the likes of the North Bay Battalion and Sudbury Wolves. This experience has likely shaped him into the goal poacher he is today.
Charles-Antoine Roy, yet another goal machine, tallied six goals and accounted for nine points in 19 USports games this season. Not going unnoticed in the University Cup, he topped up his stats with four assists in a mere three games. His career before university hockey was marked with four QMJHL seasons, having played with teams like the Sherbrooke Phoenix and Gatineau Olympiques.
Notably, during the 2019-20 season, Roy demonstrated his leader tendencies by serving as captain for the Gatineau Olympiques, echoing the same leadership qualities seen in both Poulin and Clavelle.
Brendon Clavelle has been a significant presence in defense for the Gee-Gees, showcasing his skills and tenacity by clocking three goals and 13 points in 27 matches, alongside an all-important assist on the road to the national title. Prior to his university career, Clavelle played three seasons with the QMJHL’s Charlottetown Islanders where he was honored with the captaincy in the 2019-20 season.
Recently, the Laval Rocket celebrated their victory, having secured the esteemed Macgregor Kilpatrick trophy. This positions them as the top seed in the AHL, a feat worth acknowledging. The arduous path leading to tonight’s game against the Belleville Senators, saw them rest six important players.
The Laval Rocket’s decision to sign these players comes at a crucial time, with the Laval’s ECHL affiliate team, the Trois-Rivieres Lions currently engaged in their first-round playoff series. This decision strategically allows the Rocket to field a full team, without interrupting the Lions’ line-up.
The decision of the Laval Rocket to recruit from the ranks of USports shows a paradigm shift in the AHL, which hopefully could pave a path for other talented Canadian University players to make a mark in the professional leagues.