Photo Courtesy: Garrett James

By Ethan Ready

NCAA Commit

Spruce Kings’ Nick Rheaume takes hockey journey to UMass

May 25, 2021 | 8:07 AM

PRINCE GEORGE – The next chapter has been outlined for Nick Rheaume when it comes to his hockey career and how it’s unravelling.

On Tuesday (May 25), the Prince George Spruce Kings’ forward announced his commitment to attend and player NCAA Division-1 Hockey at UMass Lowell in Lowell, Massachusetts.

Rheaume, from Sherbrooke, Quebec, finished the 2021 pod season with six goals and eight assists in 20 games.

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“It was an exciting moment for me and my family. My goal has always been to play at the highest level of hockey while pursuing my studies. I’m just really happy I have the opportunity to play at the NCAA Division-1 level,” admitted Rheaume in a release issued by the Spruce Kings.

During his first season with the Spruce Kings, Rheaume made himself known for his heavy style of play on the ice while being a consistent contributor to the Spruce Kings’ offensive output.

The six-foot-three, 185-pound forward says the way he plays the game correlates with the UMass Lowell style and is one of many reasons he’s opted to be a River Hawk.

“A big reason why I chose UMass Lowell is because of their renowned hockey program. I feel there are many similarities between my game and their style of play. I also connected very well with their coaching staff. At the end of the day, I wanted to go to a school where I felt like they really wanted me and wanted me for the right reasons.”

“I am thrilled for Nick,” said Spruce Kings GM Mike Hawes. “He really seized the opportunity in the pod season, played extremely well, and caught the attention of a lot of NCAA schools. I’m looking forward to watching his continued development with us next season as he prepared for college hockey with a great program at UMass Lowell.”

Rheaume knows there is still lots of work to do before making the step to college.

“College hockey is a very fast game, so I wasn’t to try to get faster and stronger. I think I can also improve my shot and that will help me have a bigger impact on the game.”

Spruce Kings Alumni and Winnipeg Jets draft pick Logan Neaton also has been a member of UMass Lowell for the past two seasons.