Fort McMurray, AB (April 24, 2018) – The Oil Barons are excited to announce that JC Thivierge has committed to the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) Ridgebacks of USPORTS, starting this fall.
When looking at post secondary schools across Canada, Thivierge cited his Welland, ON roots as one of the reasons why he chose to attend UOIT.
“UOIT is close to home,” said Thivierge. “I've been far away from my family for the past three years and it'll be nice to have them close by to watch me play live more often,” said Thivierge.
“I'm looking forward to growing as a person and hockey player,” added Thivierge. “Without a doubt, USPORTS hockey is incredible and it'll allow me to elevate my game and learn from an elite coaching staff. I'm also excited to start taking classes again for the first time in three years and meeting a whole new set of teammates and friends.”
The 20 year-old-defenceman joined the MOB at the beginning of last season. In 99 regular season games over two seasons with the MOB, Thivierge recorded 23 goals and 53 assists for 76 points. Thivierge also registered 10 points (four goals, six assists) in 21 playoff games over that time, with all four of his playoff goals coming in the 2018 AJHL Playoffs.
“JC's a player that took it upon himself to spend some extra time in the gym and on the ice last summer to get stronger and faster,” said MOB Head Coach Tom Keca.
“He's also a player that played a big leadership role on our team and elevated his game over the course of the year while we battled through some injuries on the blue line,” added Keca. “We're very happy for him and wish him all the best with UOIT next year.”
Thivierge is the sixth Oil Baron to commit to a post secondary school next season, joining Shane Fraser (NAIT, ACAC), Will Conley (Holy Cross, NCAA), Merritt Oszytko (RIT, NCAA), Eric Szudor (Alaska-Anchorage, NCAA) and Coy Prevost (Windsor, USPORTS).
Thivierge plans to study kinesiology at UOIT.
For more information, please contact:
Tom Keca, Head Coach and General Manager
Phone: (780) 881- 3108
Email: coach@oilbarons.com