Drumheller, AB: Playing in the AJHL as a 16 year old is special as is, but when you are producing at a rate like Coy Pighin currently is, NCAA teams begin to take notice. On January 25th, Dragons rookie forward Coy Pighin announced his commitment to play Division I hockey at Colorado College.
Pighin, the native of Alix, stated that he has always been very interested in Colorado College as a potential landing spot. After going for a fly down to Colorado Springs to visit the school and campus, he said it was a perfect fit for his future. “The facility and passion that comes from the college is outstanding. Playing in a competitive conference also played a big part in my decision.”
Pighin has been one of the league’s top point producing rookies in his first AJHL season, as he currently sits second among all 2006 born players in points per game average for qualified players. The forward has registered 8 goals and 20 points in just 27 games this season. Aside from his offensive upside, Coy is also praised for his two-way ability and defensive side of his game. He is a player that can be trusted in all situations, and he recognizes his time with the Drumheller Dragons as a large contributor to that. “The coaching staff has enhanced my game and developed me in the right direction to play Division I hockey. The support that comes from the Dragons is unbelievable, and it has really helped grow me as an individual.”
He also credits the support from his family and friends in helping him achieve this large milestone, as he stated, “To play Division I hockey has always been a dream of mine since I was a kid. It wouldn’t have been possible without the help from my friends and family supporting me throughout my path.” Prior to playing in the Dragons organization, Coy was a member of the Yale Hockey Academy where he also won Most Valuable Player of the 2021 Mac’s Midget Tournament. He joins elite company as prior tournament winners include notable NHLer’s Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Mikael Backlund, and Zach Parise to name a few.
You can catch the newly committed Coy Pighin and the Drumheller Dragons this weekend as they face-off against the Blackfalds Bulldogs on Friday night and the Canmore Eagles on Saturday night at the Memorial Arena.