ICE HOCKEY. Clovis Balleux, a young ice hockey player from Saint-Germain-de-Grantham, will continue his academic and athletic career in Ontario when he will be part of the first team at the Académie Ste-Cécile International School that plays there Prep hockey league in the Midwest (MPHL).

The 16-year-old defender was recruited during a talent scouting tournament (Showcase), played by Redhawks Hockey in Sainte-Julie last June. He found himself in a good team throughout the tournament. Therefore, he believes his game has improved as the games have progressed and he has gained confidence.

Thanks to his good performances, he was approached at the end of the tournament by Robb Serviss, coach of the Stallions at the Académie Ste-Cécile in Windsor, Ontario. Serviss was commissioned to launch this new ice hockey prep program last spring.

Therefore, the young hockey player did not have to think long about this proposal. He and his family took her in for different reasons. This includes the opportunity to learn English, live independently, mature and have the opportunity to progress in a serious sports program at a recognized institution.

“As for ice hockey, I believe that Ste-Cécile will allow me to move forward and maybe have new opportunities at the end of the season. I want to play at an even higher level. There is the Ontario Junior League (OHL) that interests me, but again, nothing is certain. I have to play well enough to excel,” said the man who has been in the sport since he was six.

The Germainois could play in the Stallions jersey for the next two seasons when he completes his 11th and 12th years in Ontario. Then several doors could open up for him, be it the OHL or the NCAA in the USA. Therefore, by choosing Ste-Cécile, he passed up the opportunity to be drafted by a Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (LHJMQ) team. However, he could be selected by an Ontario team in June 2024.

Additionally, the Stallions frequently play games across the United States, such as in Chicago, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, and Cleveland. In fact, the Académie Ste-Cécile adopts the model of American colleges in terms of its students’ timetable, since classes and training begin on August 14th. Despite all the changes that await him, Clovis Balleux is not worried about his new surroundings.

“It’s the first time I’ve been separated from my family. I think it will be fine. We have traveled a lot since I was young. But I will have no choice; I will have to learn to do all the daily tasks on my own,” said the athlete from Saint-Germain clearly.

The former La Découverte Broncos also has an interesting height for a youngster of his age. At 1.80 m tall, he quickly impressed his future coach during the Sainte Julie tournament. According to the young man, his main qualities include his first passes on offensive shots and his intelligence on the ice. He says he’s inspired by the play of Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy when he jumps onto the ice.

With the Stallions, Clovis Balleux will be on the ice every day and will play around sixty games over the course of the season. Student athletes from Canada and other countries will make up the roster.