RECRUIT PROFILE: Dominic Cormier strengthens defence with offensive flair

The University of Ottawa Gee-Gees Men's Hockey team is proud to announce the first recruit ahead of the 2019/20 season, adding defenceman Dominic Cormier from the Victoriaville Tigres of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

Cormier, and offensive defenceman, adds to the skill on the Gee-Gees' blueline.

 "I like to join the rush, create offence," Cormier said. "I can play in the defensive zone and be reliable too."

 He's led all Victoriaville defenders offensively this season, tallying 25 points over 45 games. In four QMJHL season, Cormier's scored a roughly a half-point-per-game pace, scoring 113 points in 237 games.

 Assistant Coach Brent Sullivan believes Cormier will fit seamlessly into the Gee-Gees line-up next fall.

 "He fits the new brand of hockey — he's a puck moving, elite skater with a high-end hockey IQ," Sullivan said. "He's also another solid person to add to our already strong dressing room filled with leaders."

 The Moncton-native had familiar faces to reach out to when considering university programs. Fellow Gee-Gees defenceman Michael Poirier also hails from Moncton, while Cormier works with Asst. Coach Christian Gaudet in the off-seasons in New Brunswick.

 "From their opinions, and everything they were saying about the program, it made the University of Ottawa the best choice for me," Cormier said.

 "He'll be a great addition to our team and our 'd-core,'" Poirier added. "He's a highly skilled defenceman, and he's put up good numbers in 'Q.'" 

 "Our team is excited to have him in the Garnet and Grey next year."

 During his season with Victoriaville, Cormier has also kept tabs on the Gee-Gees, noting Ottawa weekly appearances in the U SPORTS Top 10 rankings brings excitement as he envisions himself in Garnet and Grey this fall.

 "Like everyone has seen, the rankings a sure helping - jumping into a strong program like the University of Ottawa is a big thing," Cormier said. "I'm excited to be a part of it and see what we can accomplish in the future."

 "I've been looking at the stats and the rankings, it's exciting to see them first in the OUA and ranked fourth in Canada," he added.

 "That was obviously a big factor for me, jumping into a winning program right off the start."

 —Cameron Penney