By Joshua Boyd / USPHLPremier.com
Chris Allain certainly stuck to his guns and trusted the fickle process of advancement, and it all paid off. The ‘02 Oxford, Mass., native is moving on to NCAA hockey with Framingham State University this fall, closing out a five-year USPHL career that started at the USPHL 16U level, moved to 18U and then two years in the USPHL Premier.
He closed his career with exactly 100 games played in the league when he skated in 19 games for the South Shore Kings, scoring 12 regular season points after a trade from the Twin City Thunder. With the Thunder, he played four NCDC contests and one Premier game. Prior to his first season with the Kings in the Premier in 2021-22 (10 points in 27 games), he had won a USPHL 16U championship with the Islanders Hockey Club in 2018-19 and won a USPHL 18U championship in 2020-21 with the Boston Junior Bruins.
“The USPHL Premier does a fantastic job showcasing and placing kids in the NCAA,” said Allain. “All I can say is that the USPHL has helped me fulfill my goal and I am grateful for that.”
Towards the end of this 2022-23 season, Allain began his conversations with Framingham Coach Mike Bailey.
“He liked the high energy and physical presence I bring as well as the creativity in my game along with my offensive ability,” added Allain. “What Interested me about FSU was that it was a smaller school close to Boston, where I could enjoy the city offerings but also get away from the distractions when it’s time for me to grind academically and athletically. It’s also an easy commute to my hometown of Worcester and way more affordable being a state school.”
He toured Framingham State in late winter and it certainly just clicked.
“After touring the campus and its smaller class sizes, I felt that it would be a great fit for me academically. With all that being said, I wanted to go somewhere where I could go right in and contribute to the hockey Team,” said Allain. “I’m confident I can have success both academically and athletically at FSU. Major-wise, currently I am undecided, but leaning towards Business.”
He will certainly look back fondly on his two seasons with the Kings and Coach Dave O’Donnell, who struck a great balance with Allain between creativity and adherence to systems.
“Coach O’Donnell allowed me to play – he didn’t try to turn me into a robot. Yes, there were systems in place to guide us with some structure, but easily flowing, not rigid,” said Allain. “He allowed me to play every position in every situation. It was a great environment for me to develop confidence in my game. I’m forever grateful for the Kings organization but especially Coach O’Donnell. They have been great to me!”
He’s been through many different levels, each one working up to the next – and he’s always aced the journey, so there’s no surprise if he’s a major impact player with the Rams. That said, there is some off-season work in store to get ready for the NCAA game.
“Strength and speed, weight room, sprints, and as much ice time I can sniff out,” added Allain.
The USPHL congratulates Chris Allain, his family, the South Shore Kings and Framingham State University for his commitment.
