Head coach Kevin Figsby is pleased to announce two top defencemen – Youssef Kabbaj and Sébastien Payette – have committed to the Concordia Stingers men’s hockey program.
“I’m very excited,” Figsby said of his latest recruits. “One area we felt we needed to improve was the defensive corps. These players will definitely strengthen our program.”
Kabbaj has three seasons of Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) experience on his résumé. He wrapped up a major junior career that saw him suit up for four teams as a member of the Gatineau Olympiques last spring. He played 55 games in 2011-12, collecting seven goals and 20 assists for 27 points.
Previously he also suited up for the Tier I Cornwall Colts of the Central Canada Hockey League where he was named the league’s outstanding defenceman and a first team all-star.
The six-foot-two native of Westmount, Que. will study Economics at Concordia.
Payette played four years in the QMJHL. His last season was with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles. The six-foot-one blueliner scored seven goals and added 25 assists for 32 points in 54 games last year.
A native of LaSalle, Que., he has enrolled in Concordia’s Urban Studies program.
“Both Youssef and Sébastien are complete players,” Figsby said. “They play well in offensive and defensive situations, as well as on the power play. They will also bring size and depth to our blueline.”
The Stingers hit the ice for training camp the first week of September. Figsby and his new stars start the university season at home to the McGill Redmen on Friday, Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m.
