Canadian Universities have long been an incubator of talent for European and minor-pro leagues, along with the occasional National Hockey League player—see Logan Thompson – Brock University, Derek Ryan – University of Alberta, and Joel Ward – University of Prince Edward Island. The league excels as a development league for the late bloomers in the CHL, as well as under-covered Junior A and Junior B players within North America.
It is not uncommon for NHL teams with limited draft capital to send amateur scouts to the league to see what is available. With all this being said, this past week marks the beginning of Canadian U Sports men’s hockey playoffs. Playoffs for U Sports teams can span from the second week of February to late March. For any program, their goal is a divisional championship—Canada West, Queen’s Cup, or Atlantic University Sport depending on the team—and, ideally, a national championship that crowns the best team in the country.
In the midst of playoffs, let’s take a look back at some of the best 2001- and 2002-born players from this past season that might just be attracting the attention of your favourite NHL team, on their quest for a national championship.
Full disclosure, this list is not all-encompassing.
Honourable mentions
F – Nicholas Wong – (01) – University of Toronto
| POS: C | HT: 5’09” | WT: 179 | AVG TOI: 18:52 |
| GP: 28 | G: 12 | A: 22 | PTS: 34 |
F – Declan Mcdonnel – (02)- Saint Mary’s University
| POS: RW/C | HT: 5’10” | WT: 190 | AVG TOI: 18:01 |
| GP: 26 | G: 12 | A: 16 | PTS: 28 |
F – Kieran Craig – (02) – Carleton Ravens – recently signed with Florida Everblades (ECHL)
| POS: LW | HT: 5’11” | WT: 187 | AVG TOI: 18:03 |
| GP: 27 | G: 12 | A: 15 | PTS: 27 |
D – Jonah Boria – (02) – Brock University Badgers
| POS: LD | HT: 6’02” | WT: 185 | AVG TOI: 20:49 |
| GP: 28 | G: 3 | A: 17 | PTS: 20 |
D – Alec Belanger – (02) – Dalhousie Tigers
| POS: LD | HT: 6’0″ | WT: 183 | AVG TOI: 21:19 |
| GP: 25 | G: 16 | A: 7 | PTS: 23 |
D – Sean Larochelle – (01) – Concordia Stingers
| POS: RD | HT: 5’10” | WT: 170 | AVG TOI: 18:55 |
| GP: 25 | G: 4 | A: 21 | PTS: 25 |
The top 10 U Sports hockey players
10. Jacob Dion – (01) – University of Moncton Aigles Bleus
| POS: LD | HT: 5’09” | WT: 176 | AVG TOI: 25:07 |
| GP: 29 | G: 6 | A: 22 | PTS: 28 |
The former Drummondville Voltigeurs rearguard has unlocked another step in his development. A classic late-bloomer, Jacob Dion is impressing in the AUS.
His great stride, skating, and forward crossovers make the Sherbrooke product a threat in offensive transition. The element that shines the most in his game is his ability in the offensive zone, as he has decent vision, great creativity, and great puck skills and handling. Luc Michaud—University of Moncton Director of Hockey Operations—phrases it best, “Jacob is probably one of the most creative defencemen in the AUS. [He’s so deceptive] it’s hard to predict what he is going to do when in puck possession.”
With a 5’09″ frame, he still lacks some reach that other defencemen might have, and in recent seasons, has proven to be more capable in his own zone. Notable areas for development to the professional ranks remain defensive play-reading and gap control.
With all that being said, Dion is on the rise in the AUS, being named a First Team All-Star for the AUS conference of U Sports this past season. Michaud also acknowledged Dion is a true professional, a leader with his work ethic both in university studies and on the ice, and generally, “a great young man with a great sense of humour.” What isn’t a joke is the attention he should be getting from scouts in the future.
9. Harrison Caines – (01) – Nipissing Lakers
| POS: LW/C | HT: 6’0″ | WT: 185 | AVG TOI: 19:35 |
| GP: 28 | G: 15 | A: 20 | PTS: 35 |
The former Chicoutimi Saguenéens and North Bay Battalion forward has found his stride in the Ontario University Athletics West over these past three seasons. Harrison Caines has a sniper’s toolkit, and it’s obvious; it seems like a party music remix because every time he’s in the offensive zone, he’s taking shots on the net.
Caines thrived as an offensive driver for the Lakers this season, serving in a top-line role.
The Richmond Hill, Ontario product is best defined by his shot and has a great mechanical release that has a touch of deception. This quality shot and release—combined with his decent offensive vision and quality passing—makes him a threat in any team’s defensive zone. A secondary area Caines really stands out is in his skating; he has a clean, long stride that allows for good speed. This acceleration allows Caines to create lanes and quick zone entries, often leading to quality chance creation off the rush. His offensive prowess is best observed on special teams, as he was one of the best forwards this year with eight power play goals.
Nipissing Lakers Head Coach Michael McParland spoke glowingly of his third-year forward. “We believed that Harrison had potential to be a good player at Nipissing. His strength, without question, is his skating speed and edge work. Coming to us out of the [QMJHL], he was not given much opportunity there. With us, he has really grown into a very good player and point producer.”
With even more growth in areas away from puck possession—like defensive instincts and on the backcheck—Caines will be a solid addition to the professional ranks in the upcoming years.
Caines’ off-ice attitude is also commendable. As McParland further commented, “Off ice, Harrison is a good example in terms of conditioning, as well as a hockey player that is good at many sports, not just hockey, and always participates to win.” If this season has proved anything, it’s that he has the endurance and adaptability.
8. Samuel Huo – (01) – University of British Columbia Thunderbirds
| POS: RW | HT: 6’05” | WT: 209 | AVG TOI: 17:52 |
| GP: 24 | G: 14 | A: 19 | PTS: 33 |
The Richmond, B.C.-born Samuel Huo has found his groove in his second U Sports season with the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds. Standing at 6’05″, he can quite literally gain a step or two on his opponents in puck races with his decent edgework. Being tall also provides advantages in reach and can make him a heavy forecheck threat when he so chooses.
Other elements of his game that are immediately noticeable are his instincts, be it a last-second stick lift in a foot race, closing off the wall in-zone, having an active stick, or lane interception. His situational awareness is obvious. In zone and rush plays, his wrist shot can also be quite deceptive. Combine this with solid soft skill, puck protection, and decent vision, and he becomes a hidden gem in Canada West who could be a solid addition to the professional ranks in the near future.
7. Clay Hanus – (01) – Mount Royal University Cougars
| POS: LD | HT: 5’10” | WT: 174 | AVG TOI: 21:34 |
| GP: 26 | G: 13 | A: 23 | PTS: 36 |
A stalwart on Mount Royal University’s blue line this past season is the Minnetonka, MN-born Clay Hanus. The former Portland Winterhawks captain has shown solid development since deciding to pursue a U Sports path, best highlighted by his offensive acumen.
Hanus is the prototypical new-age offensive defenceman with solid offensive instincts, often joining rushes and pinching. With good hustle and good outlet passes, he can jump up on a moment’s notice, making him an offensive threat in transition and once he enters the zone. With these instincts, he can be a chance-generating machine. He has a quality release, which is a pivotal part of his game because Hanus likes to shoot the puck – a lot. In-zone, he establishes and uses leverage to create open space and lanes leading to—you guessed it—even more shots.
He sometimes lacks defensive positioning because of his pinches and below-average gap control, but this is slightly made up for by the fact that he absorbs pressure well.
How Hanus adjusts to the professional ranks will be interesting to see, as he has the tools to generate offence, but the question that remains is if he can match his pace on defence.
6. Dalton Duhart – (01) – Queen’s University Gaels
| POS: C | HT: 6’0″ | WT: 181 | AVG TOI: 18:44 |
| GP: 28 | G: 17 | A: 27 | PTS: 44 |
Dalton Duhart epitomizes “finding another step” through the U Sports development pathway. The former Saginaw Spirit and Barrie Colts centreman has been one of the revelations for Head Coach Brett Gibson and the Queen’s Gaels.
Duhart’s game is one of offence. He has the prototypical sniper’s toolkit; his shining elements are his release, soft skill, and quick zone entries, developing chances off the rush. The Michigan-born player has quite a deceptive release that has clearly fooled goalies all season long in the OUA, leading to him finding the back of the net 17 times this season. Secondarily, his offensive creativity and vision allow him to read plays well and put himself and his teammates in positions to succeed, particularly off the rush when he can create passing lanes and dangles. Simply put, Duhart reads plays well and has the puck skills to execute when called upon.
Some future areas of growth include his play away from the puck and in the defensive zone. Off the ice, Duhart is known for being a hard worker and looks to continue his upward trend.
A goal that head coach Brett Gibson has faith in for his second-year forward: “Dalton took a huge step in his development this year, and I am very excited to see where he can take himself next season. I believe he is trending to be a complete player, and his drive to be a complete player will help him meet his career goals of becoming a pro hockey player.”
5. Connor Ungar – (02)- Brock University Badgers
| POS: G | HT: 6’02” | WT: 205 | |
| GP: 26 | GAA: 2.15 | SV%: .932 | SO: 3 |
The former Moose Jaw Warriors standout has added even more layers to his already high-skill game this season with the St. Catharines-based Brock Badgers. NHL teams are taking notice of the Calgary, Alberta product, as he’s been a force in the crease. Making his feats even more impressive is the fact that he started 26 of his team’s 28 regular season games.
When it comes to crease management, few other goaltenders do it better. Connor Ungar’s exceptionally high hockey IQ stands out, as he can simply read plays faster, allowing him to adjust to the tempo of the game. The first-year badger has good movement, as his agility, athleticism, edgework, and power all propel his game to the next level.
When asked what makes Ungar such a great goaltender at the U Sports level, Badgers goalie coach Ryan Ludzik summarized it nicely. “Connor ticks every box when it comes to what you want to see out of a goaltender. From his tracking, edgework, rebound control, puck handling, as well as being extremely coachable. Connor has all the tools to be successful in the pro setting.”
Off the ice, Ungar is just as valuable to his team. The standards he sets push his teammates to be better too, which is something not lost on Brock Head Coach T.J. Manastersky. “Any time you have a top performer who is as professional in his approach to practice, game preparation, and recovery [as Ungar], it helps create a culture of excellence.”
How he might translate to the next level remains to be seen, but when he does move to the next level, he should be an impact goaltender.
4. William Rouleau – (01) – McGill University Redbirds
| POS: LW | HT: 6’0″ | WT: 165 | AVG TOI: 17:59 |
| GP: 28 | G: 14 | A: 23 | PTS: 37 |
The former Rouyn-Noranda Huskies centreman has become one of the more complete players in the AUS this season. Competent at both ends of the ice, William Rouleau really shines with his puck possession. Rouleau has a relatively clean stride, allowing for decent acceleration and play-creation on the rush. In-zone, he reads plays well and has the hockey IQ and awareness to set up teammates perfectly.
The Quebec-born forward also has the instinct to wait if nothing is available and the skating to create open spaces and shooting/passing lanes that then further his team’s ability to generate chances. In all three zones, he is constantly scanning. That bodes well for play-reading and positioning, allowing him to be a more effective 200-foot player.
Head Coach David Urquhart commented on Rouleau’s outstanding character, saying, “Will is a person of high character and embodies the values of the team. He strives to get better every day, has a relentless work ethic, loves competing, and enjoys the journey we are all on today. Furthermore, despite being in only his second year, he is a mentor to his first-year teammates in the classroom and on the ice. He demonstrates a dedication to daily improvement in practice while being extremely studied and successful in the classroom.”
A leader both on and off the ice.
3. Kale McCallum – (02) – University of New Brunswick Reds
| POS: LD | HT: 5’11” | WT: 183 | AVG TOI: 20:40 |
| GP: 30 | G: 11 | A: 31 | PTS: 42 |
The UNB Varsity Reds are on a 33-win streak, and having three of the league’s top four scoring defencemen certainly helps.
Kale McCallum led all of U Sports in scoring by defencemen while also being one of the youngest defencemen in the league. McCallum has above-average play-reading abilities at both ends of the ice and is able to jump up in the rush and stay back when needed. Furthermore, these play-reading abilities are just a byproduct of excellent hockey IQ. In his own zone, the Fredericton, New Brunswick product shows great defensive positioning, boxing out players on zone entries and using physicality when needed. In transition, McCallum shows competent skating with flashes of good puck control and handling.
All in all, it’s not a matter of if McCallum goes professional, it is a matter of when.
2. Francesco Lapenna – (02) – University of Ottawa Gee-Gees
| POS: G | HT: 6’0″ | WT: 190 | |
| GP: 26 | GAA: 1.72 | SV%: .942 | SO: 1 |
Francesco Lapenna had a memorable season and has to be nothing short of U Sports goaltender of the year.
There are many things to like about Lapenna’s play. Among those that stand out is his tracking and his ability to see through layers of traffic, which reduces shot threat. Lapenna’s Gee-Gees teammates must be thanking him after every game. His pass awareness is outstanding, as are his up-checking skills and risk assessment. His post-play is only slightly above average, but his sheer athleticism and agility more than make up for it. Some areas to look for more growth include crease management and high blocker shots that he appears to stab at.
All things considered, at the age of 22, Lapenna could be an intriguing low-risk, high-reward goaltending prospect for an NHL organization.
1. Connor Bouchard – (01) – Mount Royal University Cougars
| POS: LW/RW | HT: 5’07” | WT: 161 | AVG TOI: 19:39 |
| GP: 25 | G: 23 | A: 34 | PTS: 57 |
Connor Bouchard is the perfect example of a late bloomer who just needed a little extra time.
The former Tri-City Americans forward led all players in points this season and tied for second in goals. To say that he isn’t pro-ready would not be particularly accurate. The only things that hold the Cochrane-born sophomore back are his size, the lack of muscle that comes with lower mass, and his average skating. Simply put, everything else is good.
Bouchard’s acceleration is above average, and—when mixed with his vision, puck protection, and deceptive puck handling—it means he generates chance after chance on the rush and in-zone. If his stat line didn’t make it clear, his hockey IQ, execution, and shot all complement each other. One of the most intriguing parts about Bouchard is his physicality, as he isn’t scared to throw the body around, and he can take it, too, as he absorbs pressure quite well.
Will Bouchard get a chance in the AHL? I guess it all depends on whether a team can overlook his stature.
U Sports is a good league for developing players
This was the (somewhat) brief list of top U Sports players from the 2023–24 season. U Sports can be a great developmental league, and professional hockey organizations—including the NHL—are definitely paying attention.
Who do you think will make the jump to professional hockey after the U Cup finishes in March?
