Lavoie commits to Axemen for 2025-26 season

The Acadia men’s hockey program have added a high-impact forward with major junior pedigree, as right winger Zakary (Zak) Lavoie has committed to the program for the 2025-26 season.

A native of Orléans, Ont., Lavoie brings a strong offensive resume from both the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). The 5’11, right-shot forward most recently split the 2024–25 season between the Brantford Bulldogs and Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, tallying 25 points in 46 regular season games.

Over four OHL seasons with Mississauga, Niagara, and Brantford, Lavoie racked up 176 points in 235 regular season games, including a career-best 57-point campaign with the IceDogs and Steelheads in 2022-23.

“I’m super excited to play for Acadia,” said Lavoie. “I’ve always wanted to go out East for school and Acadia has felt like the perfect fit from the start.”

Before moving into major junior hockey, Lavoie developed his game in Ontario’s top minor hockey circuits, playing for the Ottawa Jr. 67’s and later the Toronto Jr. Canadiens and Toronto Nationals, where he established himself as a consistent offensive threat.

Head coach Darren Burns said Lavoie’s scoring ability and hockey IQ make him a great addition to the Axemen roster.

“Zak is a shooter, has good hands and touch around the net,” said Burns. “He is a very intelligent player who thinks the game. His ability to score and vision offensively will be a great addition to our team. In the recruiting process, it was obvious that he has a very strong passion for the game.”

Lavoie’s combination of experience, skill, and competitiveness will add immediate value to Acadia’s forward group as the Axemen gear up for the 2025–26 season.