Maxime Clermont, an accomplished goaltender whose impressive résumé includes major junior, professional and international experience, has signed a CIS letter of intent committing to the Concordia Stingers men’s hockey program.
Clermont had many options to sort through before making his decision including continuing in professional hockey or joining another university program.
“I decided to come back to Montreal,” said Clermont who spent most of his youth in Blainville, Que. “I heard about Concordia’s hockey program from friends on the team. Then my first contact with (head coach) Marc-André Element was great. I had a good feeling about Concordia. It felt like a good fit.”
Clermont, a strong student, was also attracted to the John Molson School of Business. He will work towards getting into management studies.
“I’m excited about having a player with his hockey experience,” said Element. “He’s a very hard worker when it comes to hockey and school and now he’s really focused on getting an education. He knows a lot of guys on our team, so I think it will be smooth transition for him. I think he has a bright future with us.”
In 2007-08, he represented Canada’s Quebec entry in the World U17 Hockey Championships.
The 23 year old played four season with the Gatineau Olympiques in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, posting a 90-68-5 win-loss-ties record and a 2.86 goals-against average. He led league with 11 playoff wins, leading Gatineau to finals in 2010-11.
He participated in the 2010 CHL Top Prospects Game. Clermont was drafted in the sixth round, 174th overall, in the 2010 NHL draft by the New Jersey Devils.
He spent four seasons with their minor league teams, mostly the Albany Devils and the Elmira Jackals.
Clermont, who style of play is similar to Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers, joins the team immediately but will only be eligible to play in the 2016 season.
