Pontiacs forward Mathieu Lajoie commits to ASU Sun Devils

Mathieu Lajoie on opening night Sept. 13. Image posted by Bonnyville Pontiacs.

The first NCAA commitment of the season for the Bonnyville Pontiacs was announced on Wednesday.

Forward Mathieu Lajoie, a 16-year-old rookie, announced he will be going to the Arizona State University Sun Devils at the end of his junior career.

In just seven games, Lajoie has showed flashes of offensive brilliance, putting up five points in the short span.

“I am beyond excited for this opportunity,” said Lajoie in a press release. 

“My goal is to continue working hard everyday and help the Pontiacs have a successful season.” 

Lajoie is also the first player in the young AJHL season to get a fresh NCAA scholarship deal. The Pontiacs have also acquired in recent weeks Porter Byrd-Leitner, who is committed to Colgate.

“The Pontiacs organization is extremely proud and excited for Mats and his family on his commitment to ASU,” said Pontiacs general manager Chad Nelson. “Mats is an example to all players looking for a junior home that seeking opportunity should always be at the forefront.

“Mats maturity and willingness to learn and get better everyday is the reason another door has opened with college hockey.” 

Lajoie has ties to Bonnyville. His dad Joel Lajoie grew up in Bonnyville, and was a Pontiac himself back in 1994.

The Bonnyville Pontiacs has strong ties to Arizona State.

In recent years, Brinson and Steenn Pasichnuk both played for ASU, as well as PJ Marrocco, from the Yaks franchise.

Lajoie will play his first game as an NCAA committed player on Friday in Olds.

The Pontiacs play three games in three days down south this weekend.