Meet Jr. Reign Alumni Emmett Croteau!

by Jake Dyck

Draft time is always a special time of year for young players looking to advance their hockey career. The NHL is a premier hockey league, and it is a privilege to be selected in their annual entry draft. One of the Jr. Reign’s former players, Emmett Croteau, could be selected this year. 


Emmett played just a single year with the Jr. Reign, while also being the starting goalie for St. John Bosco High School. Coming from Canada, Emmett found immediate success and credits the opportunity that was given to him by the coaching staff (Both Darren & Tomas) for where he is today. Being exposed to all the showcase events around the country, something the Jr. Reign is invited to each season, really allowing him to be noticed by scouts from various leagues. Emmett also credits both Tomas and Darren for always listening and looking out for his best interests off the ice for the success he's had to this point. 


After a successful year down in SoCal, Emmett was drafted into the USHL by the Waterloo Blackhawks. Waterloo has an elite hockey history, with alumni that include Joe Pavelski, Brock Boeser, and Mikey Anderson. Being the premier junior league in the United States, playing for Waterloo helped Emmett get noticed by collegiate schools, something that has been a dream for Emmett. 


After two successful seasons in the USHL Emmett decided that his next step was to play for the Clarkson Golden Knights, who play out of the ECAC conference in the NCAA. Like Waterloo, Clarkson has a long history of developing players to become NHL ready such as Dave Taylor, Erik Cole, Craig Conroy & Todd Marchant. After going to the campus to visit and see what the school had to offer, Emmett was sold immediately. Located in upstate New York, Clarkson has just as strong of an educational reputation as a hockey reputation, which was something very important to Emmett when he was making his decision. Having an elite level education, while also pursuing his dream of playing professional hockey, attending Clarkson was a no brainer. 


Emmett also wanted to offer some advice to those still playing down in SoCal. He credits having a good mindset and that it is not impossible, anything can happen. It doesn’t matter where you’re from, all that maters is that you have a true belief in yourself. 


“The only one who can decide your future is you” - Emmett Croteau


On Friday July 8, Emmett was selected with the first pick in the 6th round by the Montreal Canadiens! Join us in wishing Emmett the best of luck, and sending over our congrats to him!