20-year-old goaltender Ben Charette has committed to attend the prestigious Harvard University located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The Crimson are led by former NHL player Ted Donato and have made it to the NCAA National Tournament 27 times.
The Aurora, Ontario native was acquired just over a year ago from the New Jersey Titans of the North American Hockey League (NAHL). This season Ben is Top 5 in the AJHL in Save %, GAA, Wins and Games Played amongst qualified goalies. Ben was also recently awarded AJHL Player of the Month for November 2023.
“Ben has taken a challenging path to get here, which I feel really shows his passion and desire for the game,” stated Wolverines Head Coach Shawn Martin. “His work ethic is second to none and as an organization we couldn’t be prouder of him attaining this goal he set out for,” adds Martin.
Goaltending Coach Ty Rimmer adds, “It has been a pleasure to watch Ben grow as a goalie and a person. With his relentless work ethic, skill and dedication I have no doubt that he will continue to excel both on and off the ice at Harvard.”
Ben had this to say about his commitment, “Playing for the Wolverines and living in Whitecourt has been an amazing experience. Shawn Martin and Bryson Traptow run a great program and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity they have given me which has allowed me to achieve my dream of playing NCAA Division I hockey. My teammates have helped me achieve this goal by leaving it all out on the ice every night and Lukas Renaud who has been an unbelievable goalie partner. My billet parents Kathy and Bryan have made me very comfortable within their home and have been a second family to me in my time in Whitecourt. I am extremely grateful to have been given the opportunity to play in the AJHL and I believe it has been the best League for me to develop into the goaltender and person that I am today.”
On behalf of the Wolverines organization, we want to congratulate Ben and the Charette family on this achievement.
Ben is the fourth post-secondary commitment for the Wolverines this season along with:
· Braden Keeble (Yale University)
· Spencer Rheaume (RIT)
· Travis Verbeek (University of Alaska Anchorage)
Any questions can be directed to Shawn Martin Head Coach/GM at 780.893.0535