Lauzon Joins Reds
Former 2nd round NHL draft pick joining UNB men's hockey
(FREDERICTON, NB) Zachary Lauzon has big hockey dreams.
“I hope to bring steadiness on the back end and, eventually, win championships,” said the 20-year-old defenceman.
Lauzon, a native of Val d’Or, Quebec, has signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent, and will join the UNB Reds men’s hockey team, beginning in the 2019-2020 season.
In parts of four seasons with the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Lauzon played 160 regular season games, scoring four goals and adding 34 assists.
Possessing an uncanny ability to shut-down opponents, Lauzon’s talent was recognized by the Pittsburgh Penguins, who selected him in the second round, 51st overall, of the 2017 NHL Draft.
A top-tier blue-liner, Lauzon is excited to be joining the defending U SPORTS men’s hockey champs.
“The Reds have a reputation for winning championships and pushing guys to the next level,” he said. “It’s the best program in the country, if you hope to pursue a professional hockey career.”
Lauzon joined the Huskies in 2014, after a standout season in Quebec’s Midget AAA league.
In 2017, after his second season in Rouyn-Noranda, he was named winner of the Kevin Lowe Trophy, awarded to the QMJHL’s top defensive defenceman.
Injuries forced Lauzon to miss all of the Huskies’ 2018-2019 season and their run to the Memorial Cup championship.
“Zach had a distinguished QMJHL career that was cut short by injury,” said Reds head coach Gardiner MacDougall. “He has an excellent attitude and work ethic, with top-notch leadership skills. He comes from an excellent franchise in Rouyn-Noranda. He’s getting a second chance to pursue his hockey journey and is hoping to emerge from the setback in a positive comeback.”
“I’m a mobile defenceman who is hard to play against,” admits Lauzon. “I can move the puck well in transition, and I’m efficient in breaking up plays with my stick. I think I can bring some offence with my puck movement, but my biggest asset is my defensive play.”
Lauzon, who will attend the Penguins training camp, beginning September 3rd, will study Business Administration while attending UNB.