Report: Labbé commits to NCAA

QM18AAA

The Saint John Sea Dogs have lost a goaltending prospect to the NCAA.

The Sherbrooke newspaper La Tribune reported Thursday that netminder Kyan Labbé has committed to play at Union College, a Division I program in New York. The 16-year-old was a fourth-round pick of Saint John in last year's QMJHL Entry Draft but left the team's training camp after 48 hours to maintain his college hockey eligibility.

Labbé has had an impressive season with the Magog Cantonniers, helping the team win the under-18 Quebec title. He went 17-6-0 in 25 regular season games to go along with a 1.98 goals against average and a .934 save percentage.

Labbé was named the league's playoff MVP and top defensive player after posting an 11-3-0 record to go along with a 2.26 GAA and .920 SV%. He was recently named Canadian Elite Hockey League's goaltender of the year.

The 2023-2024 CEHL U18 Goaltender of the Year is Kyan Labbe of the @CantonniersAAA !

The 2007 born net-minder recorded 33 wins in 42 games, including 5 shutouts. Throughout the 42 games in net, Kyan recorded an impressive 1.99 Goals Against Average and a .934 Save Percentage. pic.twitter.com/lEb7FcOgud

— CEHL_u18 (@CEHL_u18) April 17, 2024

The Cantonniers will be taking part in the Telus Cup tournament, which begins next week in Cape Breton.

The biggest concern about Labbé has been his size – although Elite Prospects now lists him at 5'11". He was listed at 5'7" when the Sea Dogs drafted him last year.

Union College, based near Albany, NY, plays in the ECAC conference, which is home to the Ivy League schools. Union won a national championship in 2014 but have struggled in recent years.

The Sea Dogs likely have a No. 1 goaltender heading into next season in Justin Robinson but who his backup will be is certainly a question mark. It looks Labbé's name can be crossed off the list of candidates.