Last Monday, Tom Aubrun of Norwich University made history by signing an AHL deal with the Rockford IceHogs, the AHL affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks. He’s the first DIII player this season and sixth NCAA goaltender to sign a professional contract. However, it wasn’t until Christmas that the Norwich goalie knew he was being looked at. “I hired an agent around Christmas and knew that there were a few teams looking at me, but I wasn’t sure which ones,” said Aubrun.
The 24-year-old goaltender spent the first two seasons as the back-up to Braeden Ostepchuk who ended up going 16-0 in the 2016-17 season. “He was great support for me and always gave me more ways to push myself,” said Aubrun.
In his Junior year, Aubrun was named the starter. In his first season as a full-time starter, he went 20-4-3 with a 1.70 goals-against average, .929 save percentage and six shutouts. The goaltender from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France would be apart of the Cadets run to a National Championship in 2017.
He would then win Goaltender of the Year in both his Junior and Senior year. “It’s very rewarding. I don’t think winning back-to-back goaltender of the year has ever been done in the NEHC before, so I’m proud of that and the other accomplishments,” said Aubrun.
Enjoying The Ride
The COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t really hurt Tom as the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France native is currently staying with a teammate up in Buffalo, New York for the time being. “It’s nice having a guarantee that I’ll be here playing hockey next season.”
Aubrun still doesn’t know where he’ll be playing next season, but he’s just looking to get action anywhere he can. “I just wanna play as much as I can. I just wanna get some more experience anywhere I can. It would be nice to be in the AHL, but with guys having NHL deals, it’s likely I’ll be in Indy (ECHL)” said Aubrun.
There’s no doubt when talking with Tom that he has a love for the game of hockey and is just itching to get better anywhere he goes. It will be fun to see how he adapts to a higher level of play next season.