Pontiacs rookie forward Mathieu Lajoie has committed to Arizona State University as of Sunday, October 6th, 2024.
“The Pontiacs organization is extremely proud and excited for Mats and his family on his commitment to ASU,” said Pontiacs general manager Chad Nelson. “Mats is an example to all players looking for a junior home that seeking opportunity should always be at the forefront.
“Mats maturity and willingness to learn and get better everyday is the reason another door has opened with college hockey.
“We know the staff at ASU along with Dana Borges, who had former Pontiac and current NHLer Bobby McMann at Colgate, and will continue in developing Mats for what should be a long career in hockey.”
The 2008 born rookie has produced two goals and three assists for five points in his first seven games with the Pontiacs this season to start off his AJHL career.
“I am beyond excited for this opportunity,” said Mathieu Lajoie. “My goal is to continue working hard everyday and help the Pontiacs have a successful season. ASU is getting a player that is smart, skilled, hard-working, and dedicated. They are getting a leader and a great teammate, as well as a player that has a drive to win.
“I am most looking forward to ASU as a place where I can get a good education, while playing competitive college hockey that will help me continue to develop and grow in hopes of playing professional hockey after college.
“ASU has a great hockey program and is in one of the most competitive conferences in the NCAA. The campus and facilities are unbelievable, and the coaching staff and team personnel are excellent and professional.”
The 160 pound, right shot forward, is also the son of former Bonnyville Pontiac and local Joel Lajoie.
“The Pontiacs organization has been awesome,” said Mathieu Lajoie. “They have provided me with lots of opportunities and Coach Ayrton [Nikkel] and Chad Nelson have been very supportive from the day I got here in Bonnyville. My billet family is amazing and are people I can lean on and trust.
“I’d like to thank all my coaches that have helped me develop along the way. I would also like to thank the Pontiacs organization. The biggest thanks go to my family who have always been supportive of my goals and dreams.”
Pontiacs head coach Ayrton Nikkel noted, “As a group we are excited for Mats and his future and want to congratulate him on taking this step in his career.
“He is a hard-working player with exceptional talent and an IQ for the game. His attention to detail on and off the ice will continue to help him grow into an impactful collegiate hockey player.”
The Division I Arizona State University Sun Devils are based in Tempe, AZ and play in the NCHC conference of the NCAA.
The Pontiacs next home game is Wednesday, October 16th, against the Fort McMurray Oil Barons at 7:00pm in the RJ Lalonde Arena. This will be Lajoie’s first game at home as a freshly committed college hockey player.
Tickets are available for purchase online at a discounted price here.