Chalk up another NCAA Division I scholarship for a Flin Flon Bomber. Forward Alexi Sylvestre has committed to join the Bemidji State Beavers once his time as a Bomber is up.
The Bombers announced Sylvestre's commitment to the team Dec. 7. In 27 games so far this season, Sylvestre has 16 goals and 40 points, putting him third in the SJHL behind teammate Justin Lies and a playoff nemesis from last season, Kian Bell of the Battlefords North Stars. Both Lies and Bell have played major junior hockey, meaning Sylvestre was the top scorer of any NCAA-eligible players remaining in the league.
“We are very happy for Alexi - his hard work paid off," said Bomber head coach and general manager Mike Reagan in a team-issued statement.
"Bemidji is getting not only a great player, but a great person too."
As a rookie last year, Sylvestre finished third in SJHL rookie scoring with 43 points in 56 games, then led all Bomber players in playoff performance, putting up nine goals and 15 points in 16 post-season games, including four goals in the final series against Battlefords.
Sylvestre had several soft Division I offers following last season and was courted by BCHL teams to join them following that league's departure from the CJHL and Hockey Canada approval. Instead, Sylvestre chose to stay in Flin Flon to get both a firm Division I offer and revenge for last year's league final loss to Battlefords - goal one is now complete.
Sylvestre is the third Bomber from this year's roster to commit to a Division I program. Noah Houle did the same earlier this season, pledging to join the Lindenwood Lions, where former Bombers Drew Kuzma and Jaeden Mercier are already playing this year. Forward Jacob Vockler committed to join the Merrimack College Warriors last season and will attend the school next year.
This season, the Minnesota-based Beavers have a 5-9-0 record and a 4-4-0 record in conference play, playing in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA). Only one player on the team has played in the SJHL - backup goalie Raythan Robbins played for Notre Dame before embarking on a career through American junior leagues.
