Niverville Nighthawks stud defenceman Avery Laliberte has committed to play NCAA Division 1 men’s hockey at Northern Michigan University.
The 18-year-old from Lorette, Manitoba is fresh off his rookie season in the MJHL where he scored 2 goals and 18 assists in 53 games. The six-foot-two, 200-pound defender also suited up in four playoff games for the Nighthawks last season.
Laliberte grew up playing with the Eastman Selects AAA program in addition to the Rink Hockey Academy.
Several college programs were interested in his service before he ultimately settled on Northern Michigan. The Northern Michigan University Wildcats play NCAA Division 1 in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA).
“I settled on Northern Michigan for multiple reasons,” says Laliberte. “My dad and I went for a visit and got a great feeling meeting their staff. Their head coach is from Brandon, Manitoba—Dave Shyiak—and he welcomed us with open arms as we toured the facility and were extremely impressed.”
He adds that the university location in Marquett, Michigan is perfect. Not being a big city, he doesn’t find it overwhelming.
“It reminded us a lot of the Canadian Shield,” he says. “I was talking to other schools, but Northern Michigan was first to give me an offer. And after learning more about their program, we deemed it too good to pass up on.”
In the meantime, Laliberte is focused on having a big season with the Nighthawks this year before heading off to college.
“I am extremely excited to be able to play college hockey one day, as it will be a dream come true,” says Laliberte. “How I am approaching this year is just by trying to get better in all aspects of the game, more time in the gym, and more focus with my on-ice skills, as well as taking better care of my body.”
