Head coach Marc-André Élement is pleased to announce top junior forwards Alexis Pépin and Massimo Carozza have signed letters of intent with the Concordia Stingers men’s hockey team.
“These are two exceptional players,” said Élement. “Attitude-wise, they are what we need in the dressing room. These are players who can be counted on every day by their teammates. They will be there for them. I know these guys are going to do everything they can to help our program.”
Pépin is a left wing who checks in at six foot three, 218 pounds. He spent five seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League after being drafted in the first round, second overall, by the Prince Edward Island Rocket in 2012.
The native of Candiac, Que. also suited up for the Gatineau Olympiques and the Val d’Or Foreurs where he spent the last two and a half seasons. Overall he played 297 games in the QMJHL collecting 100 goals and 89 assists for 189 points. He also rolled up 389 minutes in penalties.
Pépin was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in the fourth round of the 2014 NHL draft, 114th overall.
“Alexis will bring size and toughness to our program,” said Élement. “He will be a big presence on the ice.”
Carozza, a skilled five-foot-10, 180-pound centre, also spent five seasons in the QMJHL, mostly with the Quebec Remparts before being traded to the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles where he played the last year and a half.
The Montreal native played 253 career junior games picking up 71 goals and 98 assists for 169 points. He also had an outstanding midget AAA career and won a bronze medal at the 2013 Telus Cup with the Laval-Montreal Rousseau Royal. He was the top scorer in the national championship and was voted the most sportsmanlike player.
Last summer, Carozza attended the Montreal Canadiens development camp.
“Massimo has great speed. He’s fast and he has a nose for the net,” Élement said. “His attitude is exceptional. He really wants to be the best in hockey. He also values education and knows it is important.”
Both Pépin and Carozza plan to pursue their studies in business.
