Tregunna, one of 10 Axemen Academic All-Canadians

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WOLFVILLE, NS – The Acadia University Axemen hockey team completed last season with not only a second place Atlantic University Hockey Conference finish but also academically out-performed their hockey conference opponents for the second year in a row, adding 10 CIS Academic All-Canadians to Acadia’s overall 74 Academic All-Canadians for 2009-10.

Ranked fourth in the Canadian Interuniversity Sport Top Ten at #4 for ten consecutive weeks this past season, the Axemen had 10 Academic All-Canadians on a 25 man roster. In 2008-2009, the Acadia hockey squad claimed an all-time high of 14 Academic All-Canadians on a 25 man roster.

Of the 10 named as Academic All-Canadians this past season, all but one were players who dressed and played for all of the Axemen’s 24 regular and playoff games.

Third year defenseman Nick Emanuelle led the Axemen with a 90.1% average and has been honoured as an Academic All-Canadian each season while with the Acadia hockey program.

Acadia’s top scorer, Jonathan Laberge, who added 14 goals and 21 assists also posted a 80.3% average after two years enrolled at one of Canada’s premiere undergraduate university.

Laberge, native of Ste. Foy, QC, who entered Acadia University with a limited background in speaking English is an example of what a small institution can give to those aspiring to not only be a top amateur athlete but also a top academic.

Head Coach Darren Burns is elated that his team not only possess the skill and talent to compete for a National Championship, but also achieve the same in the classroom.

“I am extremely proud of what the players have accomplished over the past year in the classroom, on the ice and in the community. I believe that the players that play here know they have a responsibility to be leaders on campus and in the community. The opportunity hockey players have in Canada is exceptional, considering they can play in the best major junior league in the world – the Canadian Hockey League. The CHL scholarship program gives players an opportunity to play junior and obtain money towards a university education at some of Canada’s premiere undergraduate institutions like Acadia University. Educational opportunities and playing hockey at an extremely high level is attainable for all aspiring hockey players”

Academic All-Canadian, Hometown, Last Team prior to Acadia
Philippe Bertrand Cap-Sant, QC Valleyfield Braves – QJAAAHL
Michael Chaisson Dartmouth, NS Weeks Crushers – MJAHL
Nicholas Emanuele Sydney, NS Moncton Wildcats – QMJHL
Zachary Firlotte Minto, NB Acadie-Bathurst Titans – QMJHL
Jonathan Laberge Sainte-Foy, QC Acadie-Bathurst Titans – QMJHL
Daniel MacKinnon Milford Station, NS Weeks Crushers – MJAHL
Zachary McMillan Brandon, MB Winnipeg Saints – MJHL
Scott Tregunna Mount Forest, ON Kitchener Rangers – OHL
Kristofer Westblom Meadow Lake, SK Kelowna Rockets – WHL
Tyler Whitehead Bedford, NS Rouyn Noranda Huskies – QMJHL

This season the Axemen have all but two Academic All-Canadians returning along with many of last year’s roster, heading into the 2010-11 campaign.

Acadia will open the exhibition season with the hosting of the Annual Don Wells Invitational Tournament beginning Saturday, September 18 that includes all four Nova Scotia AUS schools including the CIS Champion Saint Mary’s Huskies, StFX X-Men and the Dalhousie Tigers. Acadia will take on the X-Men at 7:00 pm preceded by the Huskies against Dalhousie at 2:00 pm.

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