Boston, Mass. — Niagara freshman forward Alix Durocher was named Atlantic Hockey America Rookie of the Week on Tuesday after helping the Purple Eagles open the 2026-27 season with a win over RIT.
Durocher, a native of Drummondville, Quebec, recorded three assists in his collegiate debut Friday night at Dwyer Arena as Niagara beat RIT 4-1.
He set up the game's first goal at 6:53 of the opening period, digging a puck out of the right corner and sending it to the slot for Mitchell Young, who beat RIT goaltender Jakub Krbecek with a wrist shot.
Richard scored at 1:17, off assists from Maillet and Durocher, and the goal held up as the game-winner.
In the third period, Durocher sent a cross-ice feed to Jack Richard at the top of the right faceoff circle, and Richard scored on a one-timer for a power-play goal that made it 4-1.
The Purple Eagles dropped the second game of the series Saturday, 4-2, at RIT. Niagara is 1-1 overall and in conference play.
Durocher, a 5-foot-10, 172-pound forward, joins Niagara from the Val-d'Or Foreurs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
He is the first Purple Eagle to earn the weekly honor this season. Niagara's most recent winner was forward Maxim Muranov, who won the award in October 2025.
