For the first time since Alabama hockey became a Division I club sport, one of its athletes has been named to an All-American team. Defenseman Pierre Ouellette was selected to receive the honor.
The Dieppe, New Brunswick native led all defensemen in scoring with 43 points, 19 goals and 24 assists. He finished second in goals and sixth in assists among defensemen.
“Winning this award is a huge honor for myself and also for the hockey program here at the University of Alabama,” Ouellette said. “Being the first player to win the award in the Division I-era is something that I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
Ouellette is only the second Alabama player ever to be named an All-American. Adam English was named an All-American four straight years, 2006-2009.
Ouellette transferred from Oswego State, making this past season his first as a member of the Crimson Tide. Taylor Joseph, who was Ouellette’s teammate and roommate while at Oswego State, transferred to Alabama with Ouellette. Together the two were a force for the Crimson Tide. Ouellette finished tied for third in goals and points on the team, while Joseph led the team in both categories with 26 goals and 57 points.
“Both of them together brought in a professional way of going about things,” head coach John Bierchen said. “The way he (Ouellette) influenced his teammates was the most important thing (Ouellette did for the team).”
While at Oswego State, Ouellette didn’t record a point in his nine games.
“Those guys calm our bench down a lot,” team president James Benedetto said. “When we are in tough situations or if we are down a goal, they know what to say or the right thing to do on the ice.”
Joseph, Benedetto and Ouellette are all part of a sophomore class that has 11 players in it.
“Having a core group of sophomores is better for us because it allows us to play together for a longer time, which ultimately creates a better chemistry on and off the ice as well,” Ouellette said.
“We will have a couple years left to play together and and I am confident that we will make a run at a national championship.”
Ouellette believes that the team has the right pieces and will continue to grow. For him, next season is National Championship or bust.
“I am coming in next year to win a national championship and nothing else” Ouellette said.
