The New Jersey Titans are proud to announce that Thomas Lacombe has committed to play Division I hockey at Union College.
Lacombe, a 17-year-old forward from Quebec City, has three assists in his first 14 games with the Titans. He has shown to be a versatile player on both sides of the rink and has been a staple of the team’s penalty killing unit. Head coach Craig Doremus spoke about rookie forward and the impact he has on the Titans.
“When we identified Thomas last season and were able to acquire him via tender, we knew he would fit our mold as a player. He has come in from day one and worked to achieve his dream,” he said. “The staff at Union is getting a very high-end young hockey player and a top notch young man. We look forward to having Thomas being a huge part of our hockey team as we pursue the Robertson Cup.”
Union College is located in Schenectady, New York and is a Division I program in the ECAC Hockey Conference. The Dutchmen are led by head coach Rick Bennett. Lacombe spoke about committing to Union and what it means for him and his family.
“It’s an awesome feeling because coming from Canada to the NCAA is not always an easy route. It’s very important for me and my parents that school and education has a place in my hockey dream,” Lacombe said. “Union has a great hockey program that is well recognized, having made a Frozen Four and having won a championship. They are also recognized for its academics which is also an important thing for me.”
He also spoke about the early stages of his rookie season with the Titans and how he has improved over the first three months with the organization.
“I’ve never learned so much in a short period of time. It’s not easy to play against older guys but this will help me understand what to do when I will be at Union with older players. I have used all the skills that I had coming in with the Titans, but now learning from Craig and Bobby (DiRico), I am using much more details to become a better player,” Lacombe said.
The Titans organization would like to congratulate Thomas and his family as he prepares to advance his hockey career to the Division I level.