Varsity Boys Hockey

Two Spartans Drafted to QMJHL

Two varsity hockey Spartans were among those drafted by the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) this past Saturday, including the school’s first-ever first-round pick.
Cole Huckins, a Grade 10 student from Fredericton, NB, was picked up in the first round and 16th overall by the Acadie-Bathurst Titans of New Brunswick. Bodie Nobes, Grade 10 from St-Thérèse, Que, went in Round 4, 66th overall to the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles in Nova Scotia.

Cole and Bodie are both finishing their second year at Stanstead College and were important contributors to the Varsity Boys Hockey Spartans’ success this past season.

Coaches Dan Poliziani and Matthew Thompson as well as Director of Hockey Operations James Rioux were on hand at the QMJHL draft in Quebec City to support the student-athletes.

"Cole is a dynamic forward with exceptional skill, size and a strong physical aspect to his game,” said Mr. Rioux. “He has played the past two seasons in our program and we are thrilled with his progress and level of achievement.”

Mr. Rioux said that being a first-round pick was an honour and significant accomplishment.

“More importantly, Cole is a well-rounded young man with much athletic ability,” he said. “As the former Male Junior Athlete of the Year in 2018, Cole has blossomed into a dominant varsity hockey player, but he also loves playing rugby. He's fully involved in life at Stanstead College and clearly has a solid future ahead of him no matter what option he chooses."

Cole’s father, Phil Huckins, is a Stanstead College alumnus (1981), originally from Ogden, and himself a former Spartans hockey captain and senior male athlete of the year.

Mr. Rioux called Bodie Nobes an exceptional skater with much agility and mobility.

“Bodie has a natural offensive side to his game with outstanding potential,” he said. “He played his Grade 9 year on our Prep U16 team before becoming a regular varsity player this past season. Being a fourth-round pick is also an honour, but many would agree that Bodie is as talented as other defenseman taken earlier in the draft.”

Besides playing hockey and lacrosse in the spring, Bodie took on a major role in Stanstead College’s annual play this past spring. He also helps out with Border Minor Hockey, working with younger players on the ice whenever he can.

"Both Cole and Bodie are thrilled to have been drafted into the QMJHL,” said Mr. Rioux. “Throughout the year, they have also been exposed to NCAA options south of the border. As young student-athletes, it is wonderful that they have a number of doors open to them for their future. Our hockey staff here at Stanstead College is excited for these boys and the opportunities that lie ahead for them."
 
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