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ITHACA, N.Y. — Casey Jones ’90, the Jay R. Bloom ’77 Head Coach of Men’s Ice Hockey, and the Cornell men’s hockey program announced Thursday morning (June 5) the 14-player incoming class that will join the Big Red program for the upcoming 2025-26 season.

“The staff did an outstanding job putting this class together. It is a big class as we have a lot of holes to fill, but I’m excited that they have attracted the right type of player to our program that will keep us right where we expect to be,” Jones said. “The class has depth at every position, and it has players who had success this past year in junior hockey. I like this group’s ability to skate, think the game, and their competitive spirit.”

Twelve of the 14 players entering the program will be freshmen, while the other two are transferring in with three years of eligibility remaining. All players will be immediately eligible to play this season.

The incoming players consist of six forwards, six defensemen, and two goaltenders. Nine players are from Canada, with Alberta, Ontario, and Québec each represented by two players, while British Columbia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador each have one representative. The remaining five players come from the United States, including two from New Jersey and the others from Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont.

Biographical information on each player can be found below.

Connor Arseneault • F • 6-2 • 214 lbs. • Rothesay, New Brunswick • Chilliwack Chiefs (BCHL) • Left

• Split 2024-25 season between Sioux City Musketeers (3-0—3 in 14 games) and Omaha Lancers (0 points in 4 games) in USHL before playing final 29 games of season with BCHL’s Chilliwack Chiefs (7-9—16), aiding team to Costal Conference Championship and an appearance BCHL championship series.
• Collected eight points (3-5—8) in 23 playoff games with Chiefs.
• Posted 74 points (41-32—74) across 65 games with St. Andrew’s College’s PHC and U18 AAA squads in 2023-24, aiding team to tournament titles at MacPherson and Eli Palfreyman Global Tournaments.
• Received Yuil and Leaderships Awards (2023-24) and Strength and Conditioning Award (2022-23) from St. Andrew’s College.
• Played two seasons of lacrosse at St. Andrew’s, aiding program to CISSA championship in 2023, playing as a long pole.
• Two-time honor roll student at St. Andrew’s, where he was a company sargent major in St. Andrew’s Cadet Corps.
• Named Memorial House Athlete of the Year in 2023-24.
• Fourth Big Red player to hail from New Brunswick, joining Bruce Frauley (1987-91), Tony Bergin (1993-97), and Mitch Vanderlaan (2015-19).
• Will be enrolling in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Coaching staff on Arseneault: “Connor comes to Cornell by way of St. Andrew’s College with junior hockey experience with Sioux City and Omaha in the USHL and Chilliwack in the BCHL. He brings a complete, well-rounded 200-foot game with his size, skating, and work ethic. Wherever he has played, he has contributed in all situations of the game, offensively and defensively, while possessing leadership qualities, which included serving as captain at St. Andrew’s.”

Luke Ashton • D • 6-6 • 235 lbs. • North Vancouver, British Columbia • Minnesota State (CCHA) • Right • Columbus (6th round, 2024)

• Spent 2024-25 season at Minnesota State, totaling 13 points (5-8—13) in 38 games with the Mavericks, who claimed CCHA’s MacNaughton (regular-season champion) and Mason (CCHA Tournament champions) Cups, in addition to being named to Dean’s List.
• Began collegiate career with two-point game against Michigan (Oct. 4, 2024 – 1-1—2) … also had two-point game (1-1—2) against Bowling Green (Dec. 6, 2024).
• Blocked 49 shots on season, including 16 games with multiple blocks … had season-high four blocks against St. Thomas (Jan. 31, 2025).
• Netted power-play goals against Bowling Green (Dec. 6, 2024), Michigan Tech (Jan. 17, 2025), and Bemidji State (March 1, 2025).
• Spent three seasons in BCHL with Vernon Vipers (2021-23) and Langley Rivermen (2023-24), compiling 45 points (20-25—45) in 134 regular-season games … named Vernon’s top academic athlete following 2022-23 season.
• Led all BCHL defensemen in goals (18) in 2023-24 with Langley, collecting 36 points (18-18—36) in 53 regular-season games, while earning Rivermen’s Top Defensemen and Fan Favourite Awards … his 18 goals were most by a BCHL blueliner since Carter Berger (27 in 2018-19).
• Ranked as No. 123 North American skater by NHL Central Scouting before 2024 NHL Entry Draft, where he was drafted in sixth round (165th overall) by Columbus … Cornell’s second player to be drafted by Columbus, joining Sean Collins (sixth round in 2008).
• Will be tallest defenseman in Cornell program history, besting previous record initially set by 6-foot-5 blueliners R.J. Farnworth (1983-84), Ryan O’Byrne (2003-06), Sasha Pokulok (2004-07), and Dan Wedman (2014-17) … tied with Ondrej Psenicka (2021-25) for second-tallest Big Red player in program history, trailing Christian Hilbrich (6-foot-7).
• Enrolling in the SC Johnson College of Business.

Coaching staff on Ashton: “Luke arrives after spending his freshman season at Minnesota State. A 6-foot-6 transfer, who was drafted in the sixth round by Columbus, he will provide experience on a young defensive corps. Luke’s size, skating, tenacity, and compete level will be a perfect fit for our team.”

Alexis Cournoyer • G • 6-4 • 205 lbs. • Trois-Rivières, Québec • Cape Breton Eagles (QMJHL) • Left

• Split 2024-25 season between MJAHL’s Truro Bearcats and QMJHL’s Cape Breton Eagles … had 8-11-1 record with 2.83 goals-against average and .927 save percentage in 21 games with Truro before posting 13-6-1 record with 1.82 goals-against average, .942 save percentage, and three shutouts in 21 games with Cape Breton.
• Played 13 games apiece with Collège Laflèche Dragons in QCHL and Truro in 2023-24, combining for 13-9-0 record with 2.77 goals-against average, .921 save percentage, and three shutouts.
• Member of QMJHL’s Shawinigan Cataractes for two seasons (2021-23), making pair of appearances in 2022-23 … also played for QM18AAA’s Trois-Rivières Estacades during span, sporting a 22-15-0 record with 2.63 goals-against average in 40 games, earning QM18AAA All-Star honors in 2021-22 and aided program to appearance in QM18AAA semifinals in 2022-23.
• Ranked as No. 16 North American goaltender by NHL Central Scouting entering 2025 NHL Entry Draft.
• Will be enrolling in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Coaching staff on Cournoyer: “Alexis finished his junior season with Cape Breton in the QMJHL. We are very happy to add him to our goaltending group. He has shown the ability to make the transition at every level and developed quickly into a top goalie in the QMJHL. His size, calm net presence, ability to track pucks, and hockey sense set him apart from others. We are excited about what he’s capable of doing with our group in net.”

Gio DiGiulian • F • 5-11 • 175 lbs. • South Burlington, Vt. • Lincoln Stars (USHL) • Right

• Scored 51 points (22-29—51) across 58 regular-season games with USHL’s Lincoln Stars in 2024-25, netting five game-winning goals and five power-play goals in regular season, aiding Lincoln to its first Anderson Cup title (USHL regular season championship) since 2002-03 … logged pair of assists in seven Clark Cup playoff games.
• Posted 49 points (25-24—49) in 26 games with the Kent School in 2023-24.

• Father, Damian DiGiulian, played college hockey at Hamilton College (1989-93) and suited up for 10 games with CHL’s Tulsa Oilers and ECHL’s Louisville Icehawks during 1993-94 season … has been the head coach of St. Michael’s men’s hockey team since 2012-13 after spending time as an assistant coach at Vermont (1998-06) and Middlebury (2007-09).

• Maternal grandfather, Gary Thorne, is former Baltimore Orioles play-by-play broadcaster, who also called MLB, NHL, college football, and Frozen Four games for ESPN and ABC.

• Ranked as No. 132 North American skater by NHL Central Scouting for 2025 NHL Entry Draft.
• Second Big Red player to hail from Vermont, joining goaltender Geoff Raynak (1992-93).
• Enrolling in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Coaching staff on DiGiulian: “Gio is a highly-offensive player who had a great junior hockey season with Lincoln. He has shown the ability to produce offense at every level, including his time at Kent School. His scoring ability and skating, combined with his hockey IQ, is exciting to add as his accomplishments this year in the USHL for a first-year player is a great achievement.”

Michael Fisher • D • 6-3 • 210 lbs. • Westborough, Mass. • Penticton Vees (BCHL) / Northeastern (HEA) • Right • San Jose (3rd round, 2022)

• Played for BCHL’s Penticton Vees in 2024-25, accumulating 16 points (2-14—16) in 35 regular-season games and four points (1-3—4) in seven playoff contests.
• Spent 2023-24 season with Northeastern, having a goal and assist in 29 games … recorded first collegiate goal and point against New Hampshire (Oct. 26, 2023). Other point came as secondary assist versus Boston College (Dec. 2, 2023).
• Logged 14 appearances with USHL’s Youngstown Phantoms during 2022-23 campaign.
• Ranked as No. 52 North American skater by NHL Central Scouting before 2022 NHL Entry Draft, where he was selected by San Jose in third round (76th overall), making him Cornell’s highest drafted defenseman since Sasha Pokulok (14th overall by Washington in 2005).
• Will be Cornell’s third player drafted by San Jose, joining Doug Murray (241st overall in 1999 NHL Entry Draft) and Joakim Ryan (198th overall in 2012 NHL Entry Draft).
• Will be enrolling in the SC Johnson College of Business.

Coaching staff on Fisher: “A transfer from Northeastern, Michael comes to Cornell after returning to junior hockey to play this past season with Penticton in the BCHL. A third-round draft pick by San Jose, he will help with his leadership and experience. He is a big, strong right-handed defenseman who will help fill our needs with what should be a young defensive corps this year.”

Hudson Gorski • D • 6-3 • 190 lbs. • Scotch Plains, N.J. • Chicago Steel (USHL) • Right

• Spent final two seasons of junior hockey with USHL’s Chicago Steel, playing for former Cornell goaltender Mike Garman.
• Had 19 points in 2024-25 (3-16—19), concluding his Steel career with 26 points (5-21—26) across 117 games and amassed 141 penalty minutes. Also appeared in three Clark Cup playoff games in 2023-24.
• Played prep hockey at Seton Hall Prep (2020-22) and the Salisbury School (2022-23).
• Enrolling in the SC Johnson College of Business.

Coaching staff on Gorski: “Hudson just finished up two seasons with Chicago in the USHL. A smooth-skating 6-foot-3 right-shot defenseman, he will add size to our defensive corps. He is a well-rounded defenseman that will bring tremendous leadership to Cornell.”

Donovan Hamilton • D • 6-3 • 200 lbs. • Buffalo, N.Y. • Salmon Arm Silverbacks (BCHL) • Left

• Split 2024-25 season between USHL’s Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (0 points in eight games) and BCHL’s Salmon Arm Silverbacks (2-8—10 in 36 games).
• Had four points (1-3—4) in 43 games with RoughRiders during 2023-24 campaign.
• Played prep hockey at Nichols School in Buffalo, combining for 26 points (7-19—26) in 54 games during 2022-23 season between prep and TNPHL leagues before heading to USHL’s Omaha Lancers for 20 games.
• Enrolling in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Coaching staff on Hamilton: “Donovan comes to Cornell after spending two years of junior experience with Cedar Rapids in the USHL and Salmon Arm in the BCHL. Another strong 6-foot-3 left-handed defenseman, he will bring size, compete, and leadership to Cornell defense next season.”

Reegan Hiscock • F • 6-5 • 201 lbs. • St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador • Victoria Grizzlies (BCHL) • Left

• Played final three years of junior hockey with BCHL’s Victoria Grizzlies, amassing 110 points (51-59—110) in 158 career games.
• Capped junior career with 52 points (27-25—52) in 54 regular-season games before notching 21 points (10-11—21) in 17 playoff games, highlighted by a four-point game (2-2—4) in final game.
• Aided Pinnacle Growlers U18 AAA team to NLU18MHL (Newfoundland and Labrador U18 Major Hockey League) championship, where he scored most goals in league (35-16—51) in 32 games before being named playoff MVP following 16 points (12-4—16) in 10 games.
• Garnered multiple high school championships in hockey, where he was named team MVP.
• Earned Team Canada World Championship in ball hockey, where he was a provincial champion and also named MVP … also won provincial championship in lone year playing basketball.
• Named to honor roll every year and earned multiple principal’s list honors.
• Fourth Cornell player to hail from Newfoundland and Labrador, joining Steve Hayden (1992-93), Jeff Oates (1995-99), and Colin Greening (2006-10).
• Enrolling in the SC Johnson College of Business.

Coaching staff on Hiscock: “Reegan brings another big, power forward presence to the program. He really found his overall game this past season, having played three years with the BCHL’s Victoria Grizzlies. He really took off in this year’s playoffs with teammate and classmate Chase Pirtle. We are really excited for Reegan and what he brings to the team with his skating, scoring capabilities, and overall powerful game.”

Aiden Long • F • 6-2 • 205 lbs. • Mono, Ontario • Madison Capitols (USHL) • Left

• Spent two years playing for USHL’s Madison Capitols, accruing 81 points (31-50—81) in 119 career games.
• Had breakout 2024-25 campaign, having 59 points (22-37—59) in 62 regular-season games before adding three assists in six Clark Cup playoff contests.
• Named Madison’s finalist for USHL’s inaugural Gaudreau Award, presented to player who best embodies the legacy of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau in three pillars: Excellence in Hockey, Spirit of the Game, and Care and Responsibility.
• Played on AJHL’s Whitecourt Wolverines during 2022-23 season where he was named team’s Rookie of the Year after having 46 points (19-27—46) in 50 regular-season games and had seven points (2-5—7) in nine playoff contests.
• Represented Team Canada West at 2022 World Junior ‘A’ Challenge in Cornwall, Ontario.
• Enrolling in the SC Johnson College of Business.

Coaching staff on Long: “Aiden has continued to evolve his game every year in junior hockey. From a year in the AJHL with Whitecourt, to two years with Madison in the USHL, he has continued to produce offense and play a very responsible all-around game. He is another great addition up front that brings size and a consistent, honest work ethic every game, while leading by example everywhere he has played.”

Luke McCrady • D • 6-3 • 190 lbs. • Calgary, Alberta • Spruce Grove Saints (BCHL) • Left

• Combined for 10 points (0-10—10) across 49 games between BCHL’s Cowichan Valley Capitals and Spruce Grove Saints in 2024-25.
• Spent 2023-24 season with MJHL’s Niverville Nighthawks, posting 11 points (3-8—11) in 54 regular-season games and had one assist in four playoff games.
• Aided Edge School U18 Prep team to CSSHL U18 championship in 2022-23.
• Father, Scott, was a second-round draft pick (35th overall) in 1987 NHL Entry Draft by Minnesota North Stars, won two Memorial Cups with WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers in 1987 and 1988, and earned gold with Team Canada at 1988 IIHF World Junior Championships in Moscow, Russia, before embarking on four-year professional career in IHL, AHL, and ECHL.
• Enrolling in the SC Johnson College of Business.

Coaching staff on McCrady: “Luke finished his first full season in the BCHL, splitting time between Cowichan Valley and Spruce Grove. Luke brings an ingredient that every team needs on the back end. He is a strong 6-foot-3 left-handed defenseman who will make his presence felt when he is on the ice.”

Chase Pirtle • F • 6-2 • 185 lbs. • Far Hills, N.J. • Victoria Grizzlies (BCHL) • Right

• Concluded two-year span with Victoria Grizzlies gathering 116 points (50 goals, 66 assists) in 108 career games … also had 31 points (12-19—31) in 28 career playoff games.
• Posted 64 points (25-39—64) in 54 regular-season games in 2024-25 after being named to 2023-24 BCHL All-Rookie Team and receiving Bruce Allison Memorial Trophy, awarded to league’s Rookie of the Year, after collecting 52 points (25 goals, 27 assists) in 54 regular-season games.
• Played one game with USHL’s Youngstown Phantoms during 2021-22 season … ranked as No. 189 North American skater by NHL Central Scouting prior to 2023 NHL Entry Draft.
• Enrolling in the SC Johnson College of Business.

Coaching staff on Pirtle: “Chase has produced offense at every level he has been at. His overall game has developed very well over the past few years and will continue to grow at Cornell. He has been a top scorer in the BCHL for the past two seasons with Victoria. His skating, size, and consistent offensive ability is exciting to be adding to the program.”

Erick Roest • G • 6-0 • 180 lbs. • Lethbridge, Alberta • Cowichan Valley Capitals (BCHL) • Left

• Split 2024-25 season between USHL’s Tri-City Storm (9-12-1, 3.24, .878) and BCHL’s Cowichan Valley Capitals (3-3-0, 3.95, .857).
• Spent parts of three seasons (2022-24) with Sherwood Park Crusaders, where he was an AJHL North All-Rookie Team selection in 2022-23 after having a 19-12-5 record with 2.79 goals-against average and .911 save percentage.
• Represented Canada West at World Junior ‘A’ Challenge in 2022 and 2023, making nine appearances across pair of tournaments … aided team to championship title in 2023 and was named to World Junior ‘A’ Challenge All-Star Team.
• Uncle, Stacy, played in 244 NHL games with Detroit Red Wings and Minnesota Wild between 1998 and 2003, and currently serves as director of player development and assistant general manager for Tampa Bay Lightning, and assuming general manager duties for Lightning’s AHL affiliate, Syracuse Crunch.
• Cousin, Austin, was selected by Nashville Predators in sixth round of 2023 NHL Entry Draft and is currently playing for Nashville’s AHL affiliate, Milwaukee Admirals.
• Enrolling in the College of Industrial and Labor Relations.

Coaching staff on Roest: “Erick arrives with three years of junior experience, including two years with Sherwood Park in the AJHL and this past season split between Tri-City in the USHL and Cowichan Valley in the BCHL. He also represented Canada West at the Junior-A Challenge for the past two seasons, appearing in nine games. Erick will look to compete for the starting goalie position next season.”

Caton Ryan • F • 6-0 • 180 lbs. • Ottawa, Ontario • Penticton Vees (BCHL) • Left

• Posted a 42-point season (13-29—42) in lone year with Penticton Vees (BCHL) in 2024-25 and had 10 points (6-4—10) in 14 playoff games.
• Spent parts of three seasons (2021-24) with CCHL’s Carleton Place Canadians, where he received CCHL All-Star honors after having 59 points (24-35—59) in 55 regular-season games in 2023-24 while serving as an alternate captain.
• Earned CCHL All-Rookie Team honors in 2022-23 after having 38 points (14-24—38) in 55 games.
• Enrolling in the College of Industrial and Labor Relations.

Coaching staff on Ryan: “Caton is a player that we are really excited about coming in from Penticton in the BCHL. He was a top player for Carleton Place in the CCHL and really showed his game in the second half of the season in Penticton. He has an elite stick and offensive ability that we’re thrilled to add to this group of forwards.”

Xavier Veilleux • D • 6-1 • 195 lbs. • Ancienne-Lorette, Québec • Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL) • Left • N.Y. Islanders (6th round, 2024)

• Earned Second Team All-USHL honors in 2024-25 after a 41-point campaign (8-33—41), tied for fourth-most points by USHL blueliners and concluded final month of regular season averaging a point-per-game.
• Aided Muskegon to its first-ever Clark Cup victory in 2025, collecting eight points (3-5—8) in 14 playoff games.
• Amassed 73 points (11-62—73) in 128 career USHL regular-season games across 2022-25 seasons.
• Named to USHL All-Rookie Team in 2023-24 following a 32-point season (3-29—32) in 62 regular-season games.
• Honored as Student-Athlete of the Year by Ligue de Développement du Hockey 18AAA du Québec during 2021-22 and was a Second Team All-Star in 2022-23 season after having 33 points (7-26—33) in 36 games with Séminaire St. François Blizzard, where he aided program to a national championship and was named top defenseman in Telus Cup, Canada’s national under-18 club championship.
• Father, Hugo, spent four seasons playing in QMJHL between 1993-96 with Saint-Hyacinthe Laser (1993-95) and Chicoutimi Saguenéens (1994-96) before playing professionally in France for one season with Étoile Noire de Strasbourg in FFHG Division 2 in 2000-01.
• Second Big Red player to hail from Ancienne-Lorette, Québec, joining Vinnie Auger (1993-98) … first skater to hail from Québec since defenseman Yanni Kaldis (2016-20).
• Second player selected by New York Islanders in NHL Entry Draft, joining Misha Song (172nd overall in 2015).
• Enrolling in the SC Johnson College of Business.

Coaching staff on Veilleux: “Xavier comes to Cornell fresh off winning the 2025 USHL Clark Cup with the Muskegon Lumberjacks, where he served as an alternate captain. The New York Islanders draft pick is a smooth-skating two-way defenseman who will contribute at both ends of the ice.”