When he came to Fort McMurray two seasons ago, JC Thivierge helped solidify the MOB’s blue line and made an immediate impact in the team’s ability to create offence from the backend.
Thivierge became an electrifying player to watch as he was solid at both ends of the rink and opposing teams had to take notice when he was on the ice.
Not only were opposing teams focusing in on the Welland, Ontario native but so were schools from across the country. Thivierge had several offers on where he would continue his hockey career once his final junior season ended and the big defender has chosen to head to the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (USPORTS).
“I’m really excited. It took me a while to make a decision because I wasn’t too sure what I wanted to do and study, what school was the right fit for me but after talking to Curtis Hodgins (head coach of UOIT) and talking to my parents, everything came together and I’m just so happy,” said Thivierge of his decision to play for the Ridgebacks.
Before coming to play in Fort McMurray, Thivierge spent a season in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with the Drummondville Voltigeurs. Being so far away from home the past three seasons played a big role in his decision to choose a school closer to home.
“Playing in Fort McMurray my parents were only able to come once or twice but now I’ll be able to see them at most home games and depending where we are at most away games so I’m really excited to see them in the stands a few times,” said Thivierge.
The 20 year old played 99 career games with the MOB, scoring 23 goals and 76 points over two seasons. He was a key piece in helping the Barons to back to back 40 win seasons and logged big minutes on the back end playing in all situations.
“It meant the world to me,” said Thivierge of playing for the Oil Barons. “It really changed me as a person and as a hockey player. I grew so much and to play in front of such a loyal fan base and especially in the playoffs, it’s so hard to play in that arena as a visitor and I was so happy to be on the right side of the bench in those games.”
During his time with the MOB, Thivierge became a leader and a respected voice amongst his teammates. When injuries this past season knocked a few of the Oil Barons captains out of the line-up, the coaching staff put an ‘A’ on Thivierge thrusting him into a bigger role and one he was very honoured of.
“Well first off it was a real honour to wear a letter for the Fort McMurray Oil Barons. It’s such a prestigious organization and to be able to represent them is a huge honour,” said Thivierge. “Secondly I was really happy to be able to help out the guys the best way I could in the room whether it was in the gym or outside, on the ice I was always happy to be there for the guys.”
Thivierge plans to study kinesiology at UOIT and is looking forward to getting back into the classroom.
Thivierge is the sixth Oil Baron to commit to a post secondary school next season, joining Shane Fraser (NAIT, ACAC), Will Conley (Holy Cross, NCAA), Merritt Oszytko (RIT, NCAA), Eric Szudor (Alaska-Anchorage, NCAA) and Coy Prevost (Windsor, USPORTS).
