Owen Robitaille Commits to SUNY Potsdam
Owen Robitaille has committed to play NCAA Division III hockey at SUNY Potsdam beginning in the 2026-27 season. Robitaille will continue his development with the Boston Jr. Rangers (NCDC) as he prepares for the next level.
The Rangers forward has posted 19 goals and 24 assists for 43 points in 47 games this season. His relationship with interim head coach Mike Grace predates the current campaign, with Grace having tracked him as a prospect for over a year and the two sharing summer skates together before the season began.
“Coach Grace had seen me play in previous seasons, and I had also done a few summer skates with him. Both Coach Grace and Coach LaSala showed how much they wanted me during my visit and in our phone calls. Having built a relationship with Coach Grace over the last year made the decision much easier for me. Coach Grace came to one of my games in November and wanted me to visit as soon as possible. Potsdam is also a familiar area for me because my mom went to school there and my dad went to Clarkson, which is only five minutes away. The coaches liked my hockey IQ, compete level, and the way I play a strong two-way game.”
The Potsdam connection goes beyond Owen’s mother attending SUNY Potsdam. His father, Patrice Robitaille, was one of the most prolific forwards in Clarkson University history, posting 175 points in 135 career games from 1991 to 1995, earning an ECAC Tournament Championship, competing in three NCAA Tournaments, and going on to play five years of professional hockey. Patrice ranks eighth on Clarkson’s all-time scoring list and was inducted into the Binghamton Hockey Hall of Fame. The campus visit sealed the decision. Robitaille found a tight-knit community and a coaching staff that made clear he would have the opportunity to contribute immediately upon arrival.
“What stood out to me most about Potsdam was how welcoming everyone was that I met there. It seems like a very tight-knit community. They made it clear that I’d have the chance to come in and play right away, which meant a lot to me. Academically, I liked that the school offers a variety of programs and gives me the opportunity to figure out exactly what I want to major in. It seemed like a place where I could develop both on the ice and in the classroom.”
His time with the Rangers has been just as impactful. Living with both the NCDC and Premier rosters in nearby apartments, a short walk from the rink, has created an environment Robitaille says stands apart from anything he has experienced in junior hockey.
“Playing for the Boston Junior Rangers has been a great experience for me. Living in the apartments with the Premier and NCDC teams has made it really easy to get to know everyone, and being just a short walk from the rink makes everything that much more convenient. It’s a really positive environment that starts with Coach DeCaprio and Coach Bowen, and it carries over into the locker room with a great group of teammates. It’s been a great place for me to develop and compete.”
With Potsdam secured, Robitaille’s focus for the remainder of the season is clear.
“Now that I’ve made my commitment, my focus is fully on helping the team go as far as possible in the playoffs. We have such a great group on and off the ice, so I want to do well for them. Being able to go to Idaho and having the chance to win it all would be the best way to end my junior career.”
Congratulations to Owen Robitaille and his family on his commitment to SUNY Potsdam. The Boston Jr. Rangers look forward to supporting his continued development as he prepares for the next level.