The Steinbach Pistons are excited to announce that former F Nico Labossiere will be suiting up for the University of Manitoba Bisons of U Sports for the 2019/20 season.
Labossiere was acquired by the Pistons on trade deadline day last season and put up 5 goals and 14 points in 16 regular season games while also chipping in with 4 goals and 4 assists during the 2019 MJHL Playoffs.
“I chose to play at the U of M because I wanted to continue to attend the school while working towards my degree,” he explained. “I wanted to stay and play for this great program in my hometown close to my family and friends.”
Labossiere will be suiting up alongside many former teammates and players he played against from across the MJHL. “I know most of the players on this team, which is one of the positive opportunities you experience playing for your hometown,” he said. “Playing for a great coaching staff as well as with a good group of teammates was an important part of my decision to play for the Bisons.”
“It’s great to see Nico earn a spot on the Bisons roster,” Head Coach/GM Paul Dyck said. “I know his desire was to continue on with his hockey career while pursuing his education, so we are very happy for him.”
Labossiere has already gotten into some gameplay this season with the Bisons, as they split their opening weekend series with the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns.
The 21-year-old also got the opportunity to play in one of the best rinks and atmospheres in all of hockey, when he suited up to play against the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks at the Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks this past Saturday.
“I had the opportunity to play in this rink once before with my midget team, however it wasn’t the same experience as this past weekend,” Labossiere recalled. “Playing at the Ralph this past weekend in front of that many fans was a dream come true. It was a great opportunity to play against players of that caliber, and to play in such an elite rink.”
He only was in blue and white colors for half a season, but Labossiere expressed a lot of appreciation of his time in the Automobile City. “I still had the privilege of making many good friends and meeting wonderful people from Steinbach,” he said. “My billets were very supportive, and I am very thankful for all that they did for me in my short time being a Piston.
“I was grateful finishing junior hockey playing for such a classy organization,” he continued. “Being able to play in front of such great fans was very motivating and I am grateful for all the support the Steinbach fans give to their team. Also, playing for a coach that respects, cares, and helps open different opportunities for his players is part of the reason I have been given the opportunity to play for the U of M.
“I am thankful that I can say I am a Steinbach Piston Alumni.”
The Pistons organization would like to congratulate Nico and wish him all the best with the Bisons this hockey season!