Alex Rondeau played two seasons in Melfort, totalling 128 games. (Facebook/Broad Leaf Media)

By Mat Barrett

Changing Paths

‘I couldn’t bypass the offer’: Rondeau switches commitment, chooses NCAA

Aug 26, 2020 | 4:23 PM

Former Melfort Mustangs defenceman Alex Rondeau has changed his plans for post-secondary hockey.

The 21-year-old from Drummondville, Quebec, committed back in April to Laurentian University in USports, Canada’s top University league, but in recent weeks Rondeau drew some interest from the NCAA. He’s now committed to the University of Alaska-Fairbanks for the upcoming season.

Rondeau said it’s a dream come true for him to play at that level.

“I came to Saskatchewan actually to get more exposure for that league,” he said. “So, I couldn’t bypass the offer and I had to go.”

In talking to recruiters and the coaching staff, Rondeau said it sounds like there was a player that opted out of playing this season, leaving a spot open. He said he’ll have to work hard to earn a spot on the ice.

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The Nanooks play in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association as part of the NCAA’s Division 1. The incoming calls for the Nanooks features some Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League touch, and some familiarity for Rondeau, namely Jakob Breault, a friend of Rondeau’s, a fellow Quebecer, and former Notre Dame Hound.

“He’ll help me out once I get there, I think he’ll know how to help me accommodate to my new space and things like that,” Rondeau told northeastNOW. “He’s a great guy and I’m really excited to meet my new teammates and be a part of the team.”

Along with Breault and Rondeau, defenceman Antonio DiPaolo is another SJHL alum who spent time with La Ronge and Humboldt.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, there are plenty of unknown’s regarding hockey at the NCAA level, and every level for that matter, but it’s not something that’s concerning Rondeau at this point.

“You can only control what you can control right,” he said. “So, I just have to be ready to go whenever it’s going to be time, and I’ll be ready.”

Rondeau said he’s excited for the next step in his hockey career and to live in Alaska.

“It’s unreal, I can’t believe it’s happening, and I can’t wait to play my first game,” he said.

Coming to the Mustangs organization to begin the 2018 season, Rondeau grew into a top defenceman that was ultimately a nominee for the SJHL’s top defenceman award for the 2019/2020 season. In 108 regular season games with the Mustangs, Rondeau scored 19 goals and added 43 assists. He was also part of the Mustang team that made the SJHL finals in 2019, scoring once and adding an assist in 16 games. Then, in four games of the 2020 playoffs, Rondeau had two assists before the season was cancelled due to the pandemic.

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mat.barrett@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @matbarrett6