Sarnia Sting overager Tyson Doucette has committed to Colgate University, in New York, for the 2025-26 hockey season.
The NCAA’s division one council voted November 7 to permit former Canadian Hockey League players to compete for division one schools in the U.S. starting next August.
Previously, CHL participation ended players’ eligibility.
The 20-year-old Doucette believes this is a great opportunity to get an education and help further his path to play pro hockey.
"I chose Colgate because I believe this will give me my best chance, they have a great organization," said Doucette. "The school has a deep history involving hockey and is well known for its educational facilities and programs."
Sting General Manager Dylan Seca is thrilled for Doucette’s next chapter.
"This is great news for Tyson and the Doucette family," said Seca. "We are thrilled he’s able to continue his play in the NCAA at Colgate. Tyson is a player who’s upside is still just scratching the surface, and someone who’s always valued his academic studies. The ability to combine both at such a great institution is very exciting for him and his family."
The Sting signed Doucette as a free agent in the fall of the 2022-23 season.
The Sault Ste. Marie native, split the 2021-22 season between the Soo Thunderbirds in the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL) and the Aurora Tigers of the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL).
So far in a Sting uniform, Doucette has 40 goals and 76 points across 157 regular season contests.
The Sting return to action on Wednesday at home to the Flint Firebirds on CHOK.