Odessa forward Duclair makes NCAA DI commitment
The Odessa Jackalopes, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), are pleased to announce that forward Chris Duclair has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), a member of Atlantic Hockey. Duclair becomes the first Jacks player to make an NCAA Division I commitment this season.
Duclair, 18, is in his first season in the NAHL. The 5’9/175 lbs. native of Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec, has played in all 11 games for the Jacks so far this season and has recorded 10 points (6 goals, 4 assists).
Duclair is tied with Dayne Hoyord for the team lead in goals with six. While it may be Duclair’s first year playing in the NAHL he is already off to a hot start. Out of the 11 games he has played in this season, he has recorded at least one point in seven of them. Even going on a four-game point streak that stretched from Sep. 17th – Sep. 25th (3g-4a).
“I got a good feel from their coaches and a buddy of mine goes to RIT. I have been training with him for years. It definitely motivated me to go to that school,” said Duclair. “There are a lot of good players on this team. Obviously, we have a lot of talent and it’s just a matter of being at the right place at the right time. I feel like I had a good NAHL Showcase so that is probably why it came so early but I have no doubt that we will get more commits soon enough.”
“I think it is a great decision, not only from an academic standpoint but also from a hockey standpoint. Chris has been really good to start the season, and I think RIT got a really good hockey player,” said Jackalopes head coach Scott Deur.
Duclair was drafted #159 overall by Lac St-Louis Revolution (QJHL) in 2019 and spent two seasons playing for Lac St-Louis Lions (QMAAA) totaling 33 points (19g) in 81 games. RIT is only located five hours away from where Duclair grew up.
RIT is located in Rochester, New York. They are a member of the Atlantic Hockey Conference (AHA). The Tigers first year at the NCAA DI level was in 2005-06. They have made it to the NCAA Tournament three different times (2010, 2015, 2016). The only time they reached the NCAA Frozen Four was in 2010. RIT has had two players reach the NHL (Steve Pinizzotto, Christopher Tanev). The Tigers are led by former Bowling Green Defenseman, Wayne Wilson. Wayne has been the Head Coach of RIT since 1999. Making him the longest tenured coach that RIT has ever had.
Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list
