The Nipissing Lakers varsity men's hockey team has bolstered its blueline by acquiring a local defenceman with championship pedigree.
Ben Brunette, who played NCAA Division 1 hockey at the UMass-Lowell last season, is transferring back to the OUA to play for the Nipissing Lakers in 2024-25.
Mike McParland, Lakers longtime head coach believes Brunette brings home a strong two-way presence.
"We are glad to welcome Ben Brunette to the Lakers, coming off a D1 season with UMass-Lowell. Ben should add speed and grit to our defensive core and create a healthy competition for our defense," McParland stated.
Brunette finished his freshman season where he netted 1 goal in 13 contests with the NCAA team that plays in Hockey East.
"I'm a two-way defenceman. I plan to work hard and enjoy my first season back home since minor hockey and have a strong season with the team," said Brunette via Lakers social media.
"I wanted to enjoy being closer to family and friends and continue playing hockey on my way to finishing university."
Championship Pedigree
The 6-foot defender spent time in Carleton Place, Powell, Waterloo, Penticton and UMass-Lowell over his career, leading up to his homecoming.
He finished his junior A career in 2023 with the Penticton Vees where he captured the Fred Page Cup as BCHL league champions.
See related: Brunette finishes junior career on a championship high
In 2019, The smooth-skating defenceman finished his minor hockey career by winning a Great North U18 title with the U18 AAA Trappers alongside Lakers goaltender Reece Proulx.
