U SPORTS Report: Dec. 11, 2024

A total of 195 OHL alumni are playing in the U SPORTS men’s hockey ranks this season. Throughout the year the U SPORTS Report will keep tabs on former OHL names doing great things in the OUA, AUS and Canada West ranks on the road to the 2025 U SPORTS University Cup to be held from March 20-23 in Ottawa, Ont.

PURBOO, HUTCHESON SHINE IN FIRST HALF WITH GAELS

Christian Purboo has been a standout for the Queen’s University Gaels so far this season, ranking second in save percentage and fifth in goals-against average. In 13 appearances, the 24-year-old from Oakville, Ont., has posted a 10-2 record, a 1.98 goals-against average, and a .937 save percentage. A former 11th round pick by the North Bay Battalion in the 2016 OHL Priority Selection, Purboo spent three seasons between the Battalion and the Sudbury Wolves, compiling a 27-28-2-2 record, a 3.74 goals-against average, and an .886 save percentage.

Nolan Hutcheson has been a key contributor for the Queen’s Gaels, helping the team secure second place in the OUA East heading into the mid-season break. The 24-year-old Kingston, Ont., native ranks second in goals among all U SPORTS skaters, with 16 goals in 20 games (16-4-20). A former fourth-round pick of the Sudbury Wolves in the 2016 OHL Priority Selection, Hutcheson spent three seasons in the OHL, recording 47 goals, 42 assists, and 89 points in 183 regular-season games.

SPROULE STARS WITH U SPORTS-LEADING REDS

Emmett Sproule has continued to excel with the U SPORTS leading UNB Reds this season, ranking fourth in both points and goals among all U SPORTS skaters in the first half. The Collingwood, Ont., native has recorded 11 goals, 17 assists, and 28 points in 18 games. Contributing to UNB’s success, the Reds boast a 16-2 record. Selected 21st overall by the Erie Otters in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection, the 23-year-old forward played four OHL seasons with the Otters and Peterborough Petes, amassing 161 points (60-101-161) in 252 regular-season games.

#1 at the break‼️ pic.twitter.com/2sQvLikFrd

— UNB Men’s Hockey (@UNBMHockey) December 2, 2024

TROTT PUTTING UP POINT FOR X-MEN

Zach Trott has been a key player for the STFX X-Men, ranking fifth among all U SPORTS point-getters with 24 points (8-16-24) in 18 games heading into the holidays. The 24-year-old from Mulmur, Ont., has helped the X-Men to a 10-8 record, placing third in the AUS. A former 14th-round pick of the Soo Greyhounds in the 2016 OHL Priority Selection, Trott played three seasons in Sault Ste. Marie, tallying 106 points (40-66-106) in 168 regular-season games.