“Just A Bonus,” Alexis Pepin Focused on Team Over Early Personal Success

Stingers Men’s Hockey Rookie Made His Mark In A Hurry

SportsDawn Kagan-Fleming — Published November 6, 2017

That was when Stingers’ rookie forward Alexis Pepin made a play.

He grabbed the puck, swiftly made his way into the offensive zone, beating one defender as he used his 245 lb. frame to outmuscle another. He picked a spot and fired it past the goaltender for the game-winner.

It’s plays like this that show the diversity of Pepin’s skill set.

The rookie has been a force early on in the season. Pepin’s ten points in eight games are third best on the team. He’s surpassed only by forwards Massimo Carozza, a rookie, and Ontario University Athletics’ leading scorer, Anthony Beauregard. His five goals also sit tied for second on the team.

“It feels great to have some points but it’s a good collective effort from all the guys,” said Pepin, quick to put the focus on his team’s impressive 6-1-1 record rather than his own achievements. “We’ve been doing very good lately so it’s just a bonus to have personal success.”

When you see the 6’2, 245 lb. Pepin for the first time, he looks more like a heavyweight boxer than an offensive force on a hockey team. His size and frame make him well suited for contact, allowing him to make space for other players and protecting his teammates. When it comes to Pepin, the two aren’t mutually exclusive.

The second overall selection in the 2012 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League draft has found a way to be a presence for the Stingers on and off the scoresheet, playing a physical brand of hockey that packs an offensive punch.

“Bringing some energy, bringing a lot of physical play. That’s what my role is all about,” explains Pepin, who put up 189 points in 297 games over the course of his QMJHL career. “Bring the guys together, [making] sure [the] guys feel protected on my line and make room for other players on my line. Obviously with a little offensive touch too sometimes.”

The last part is said with a proud smile. As humble as he is and as much as he embraces doing whatever the team needs from him to win, it’s clear Pepin is enjoying putting points up as well.

Perhaps the most impressive part of Pepin’s success is the fact that he is doing it as a rookie in a brand new league. Pepin is playing against a different level of competition, now. Opponents are bigger, stronger, and smarter than they were in his junior hockey days.

Pepin has embraced the change. According to head coach Marc-Andre Element, he’s thriving in a league that he’s very well suited for. His focus and work ethic have quickly endeared him to Element both on and off the ice

“He’s scoring goals but he’s also working hard. He wants to learn, he wants to get better. It’s fun coaching a guy like that,” notes Element, who calls Pepin a student of the game.

Pepin shows no signs of being content to sit on his laurels and appreciate early success either. The former fourth-round draft pick of the Colorado Avalanche is constantly asking Element for video clips to study after games. He is always looking to improve.

It’s this kind of attitude mixed with considerable talent that makes Element think that after completing his degree, Pepin will have another shot at the pros.

The team’s head scout, Justin Shemie, is of the same mind.

“We really think he has the potential to be a power forward as a pro when he leaves here.” said Shemie. “He has all the tools.”

In the dressing room, Pepin’s teammates are just as happy to have him on the team as his coach is. Along with his offensive prowess, Pepin makes life easier on the rest of the Stingers, making space in the offensive zone and providing a strong net front presence on the power play.

“He does a really good job in front of the net,” said Beauregard. “The goalie never sees anything. From the blueline I can see every bit of space he makes for me. It’s good for us.”

Pepin’s willingness to play roles like this, where he will take plenty of punishment from opposing players and probably be struck by a few misplaced pucks, is just another facet to his game that always puts team first.

His career as a Stinger is still only in its infancy. Regardless, he’s put his mark on a team that is thriving and his contributions are certainly appreciated. Element doesn’t plan on letting Pepin’s talent or potential go to waste.

“I’ll be on him, I want him to continue to play hockey after University. I’m never going to give up on him,” said Element. “He’s a great guy.”