UConn's major junior additions making an immediate impact

In the first season that major junior players have been eligible for college hockey, UConn’s two freshmen out of the CHL, Alexandre Blais and Carlin Dezainde, have both made immediate impacts.

Blais ranks third on the Huskies with 13 assists and fifth with 19 points. With his next goal contribution, he’ll become just the eighth freshman in UConn’s Hockey East Era to record a 20-point season.

Meanwhile, Dezainde has eight goals and seven assists for 15 points. As an older freshman — he turned 21 in December — his maturity and leadership stood out from the moment he stepped on campus.

“They're good hockey players,” UConn coach Mike Cavanaugh said. “They're experienced guys.”

The two have been paired together since late November and, along with Kaden Shahan, have formed UConn’s second line since the winter break. With a combined 53 points, they’re the Huskies’ second-most productive grouping behind only the high-powered top line (78 points). Both also receive time on the power play with Blais working on the first unit and Dezainde skating with the second.

“They make plays. They play with pace. They hunt pucks,” Cavanaugh said of his second line. “They’ve just got a lot of chemistry.”

Historically, players had to choose between major juniors and college hockey. The NCAA previously considered players in the CHL — an umbrella term that includes the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and Western Hockey League (WHL) — professionals, thus making them ineligible for college hockey.

But with the introduction of NIL and revenue sharing, the NCAA changed its rules to allow major junior players into college hockey, starting with the 2025-26 season. Even though the full effects of the move won’t be felt for years, the sport has already benefited.

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