COQUITLAM, BC | The Coquitlam Express would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Clay Stevenson who played his final junior hockey game Friday night in Penticton. We would also like to provide clarity regarding his NCAA commitment and eligibility to play junior hockey after his 21st birthday.
Clay’s performance this season helped us become the top team in the BCHL. Clay is leading the league in almost every goaltedning category and has broken numerous franchise records along the way. He persevered through unthinkable tragedy after losing his mother in September. Unfortunately, due to college regulations, he cannot play junior hockey after his 21st birthday (March 3rd) to remain admissible to Dartmouth College. As is the case with many Ivy League institutions, this is an admissions regulation and not an NCAA or Dartmouth Hockey ruling.
The Express organization was aware of this situation for some time, and added goaltender Joe Howe ahead of the trade deadline to ensure we had 2 BCHL goaltenders for the post season. Express staff had also been working with Dartmouth to try and find a solution, but all parties were unable to find a scenario that allowed Clay to continue playing. Dartmouth College is a tremendous institution and we are thrilled to follow Clay’s journey as a student athlete beginning in September.
The Express could not be more proud of Clay and his achievements on and off the ice during the past 3 seasons. He will be joining our staff as a volunteer mentor and assist our players and organization as we continue to keep the train rolling. His story is not over with us just yet!
If you have any inquiries, please contact Director of Communications Jacob Lazare by emailing jacob@coquitlamexpres.ca. Playoff tickets are on sale soon! Visit coquitlamexpress.ca/tickets for more information.
