Castle Pines native, incoming Grit goaltender Lacroix realizes ‘dream come true’ with NCAA Division I BU commitment

BY MATT MACKINDER COLORADO HOCKEY HUB

Playing prep school hockey for The Governor’s Academy in Byfield, Mass., has opened doors for Castle Pines native Max Lacroix.

One of those doors was to Boston University, an NCAA Division I school that made the Frozen Four this past season, and a school that Lacroix recently committed to once his junior hockey career comes to a close.

“I’ve been basically in their backyard for the last three years,” Lacroix said. “New England prep school hockey has a lot of exposure to a lot of colleges, both Division I and Division III. Absolutely a dream come true to play at such an incredible program. The city of Boston itself is a wonderful place with a storied culture, and BU’s hockey speaks for itself, but its academics are very prestigious as well.”

Lacroix will start his freshman year in 2024-25 season and plans on ma-

Questrom School of Business.

Next season, Lacroix will suit up with the first-year Colorado Grit in the NAHL after being one of the team’s first signings in February.

“I am super excited for the opportunity to be playing in their inaugural season in Colorado,” said Lacroix. “This is a very important summer for development and getting prepared for next season. I’ll be skating and training at Drillhouse Sports Center in Centennial.”

Growing up, Lacroix played youth hockey for the Arapahoe Warriors, Littleton Hawks, and Colorado Thunderbirds before heading out to prep school.

His father is former Colorado Avalanche player Eric Lacroix and grandfather Pierre Lacroix served as the Avalanche general manager when the team won Stanley Cups in 1996 and 2001. He passed away in Dec. 2020.

Castro Valley native, Blackhawks, Jr. Sharks alum McManus commits to NCAA D-III Suffolk

Scott McManus, a forward for the EHL’s Seahawks Hockey Club, has committed to NCAA Division III Suffolk University for the fall of 2023.

The 2002-born native of Castro Valley recently finished up his third and final season with the Seahawks. McManus joined the program towards the end of the 2020-21 campaign, and over the course of 106 career games, the All-Star forward tallied 86 total points (38 goals, 48 assists) to his credit.

“Scott arrived during the COVID season as his U18 team had to shut down,” said Seahawks head coach and general manager Bill Zaniboni. “Although young, Scott had great compete and the drive to get better everyday. Scott was then drafted into the NAHL and started the following season there. When Scott came back, he had a goal and that was to lead the Seahawks and make sure he did his part to have a successful season(s).

“We are excited for Scott and his family.”

As Zaniboni mentioned, McManus grew as a leader for the Seahawks, finishing out his junior hockey career as the captain of the team this past year.

Overall, the West Coast playmaker is beyond grateful that his hockey journey took him east, as he’ll now play his college hockey in the hockey-rich town of Boston.

“I am very excited to announce my commitment to play hockey at Suffolk University next season,” said McManus. “I would like to thank my family and friends for all the sacrifices and support I’ve received that has led me to this point. I’d also like to thank the Seahawks Hockey Club and Coach Zaniboni for helping me grow as a player and person these past three seasons.

“I am thrilled to play under Coach (Shawn) McEachern and look forward to continuing to grow in my hockey and academic career at Suffolk University.”

Back home, McManus played for the Santa Clara Blackhawks and San Jose Jr. Sharks.