Pontiac Daine Dubois commits to Long Island University

Daine Dubois takes to the ice against the Drumheller Dragons last season.

Another Bonnyville Pontiac will be advancing to the next level in their hockey career in the United States.

Daine Dubois has committed to the newest NCAA Division I hockey program in the Long Island University Sharks.

He’s played 130 games over his two seasons for the Pontiacs earning 52 goals and 72 assists.

Coach Rick Swan said he’s happy to see Dubois get a shot at the next level.

“Daine Dubois was a player in our league that put up the right amount of offensive numbers, especially 26 points on the powerplay, running our power play, but he also plays the right way with the combination of a 200-foot grit and intelligence,” said Swan.

“And I was, I guess, frustrated as a coach that he didn’t get the recognition with their exposure at the NCAA Division I level that we felt he deserved and [I’m] just so thankful for Long Island University in being able to grab onto him because I think you’re getting an impact player and person.”

Dubois was one of just three 20-year-old veterans on the Pontiacs last season along with captain Joel Ray and Holy Cross commit Lucas Thorne.

He was a critical part of the team’s top line with Thorne and leading scorer Matt McKim, which became one of the AJHL’s most lethal lines.

“I am so grateful to the Bonnyville Pontiacs for the past two seasons and am so thankful for the entire staff as I wouldn’t be where I am today without them,” said Dubois.

“I am looking forward to being a Shark and help Long Island University become a model Division I hockey program in the NCAA.”

Dubois was chosen as one of the league’s top talents last fall on Team AJHL where the Alberta squad earned a silver medal at the World Junior Club World Cup in Sochi.

Dubois is the 79th Pontiac to move on to the collegiate level since 2013/14.

The Sharks will play their inaugural season in Brookville, NY as the newest NCAA Division I program under head coach Brett Riley.

LIU, founded in 1926, continues to redefine higher education through innovative programs, prestigious faculty, experiential learning opportunities, and cutting-edge research.

Recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a Best National University, and Forbes for its emphasis on experiential learning, LIU offers more than 350 academic programs, with a network of over 265,000 alumni including industry leaders and entrepreneurs across the globe.