PORT HURON, MI – Prowler’s forward Chris Leveille is no stranger to the leader board.
A native of Guelph, Ontario, Leveille was voted Pro Hockey News Player of the Month in November. He played four seasons with the Fayetteville FireAntz of the SPHL, where he tallied 92 goals and 173 assists for 265 points in 222 games and at one time led the SPHL in scoring. A two time SPHL all star, Leveille was also captain of the FireAntz in his last season there. In addition he played alongside a center who would have an impact on his future, Trevor Karasiewicz, who now coaches in Port Huron.
In 2012 – 2013 Chris shared time between the Williamsport Outlaws and the Dayton Demonz, where he once again played with Karasiewicz and tallied a combined 67 points.
Then suddenly he was gone.
“I have a 4 year old son,” Chris explained about his two year departure from hockey. “I separated from his mom last year and it has been chaotic, so I just couldn’t bail. I’ve had calls from the SPHL this year. I was supposed to sign with Peoria but I just couldn’t leave my little boy. Kraz (Karasiewicz) called me about Port Huron in August. Only being two hours away, I was able to stay home during the week and drive down on the weekends.”
Now the FHL’s 5th top scorer, Leveille leads the league in shooting percentage at 26% among players with over 100 shots on goal. He shares second place with two of Danbury’s wingmen – John Scorcia and Mike Driscoll – with a rating of +27.
He’ll also be sharing a place in the stands with a few of his teammates for the next three games as a result of one of the numerous skirmishes in Danville on Sunday Feb. 20. Pro Hockey News was on hand to witness a night filled with clubbing and smackdowns, an event that ended with an astounding 146 penalty minutes and 4 ejections. Leveille’s particular episode involved abuse of an official.
“I had taken a hit from behind,” Leveille told Pro Hockey News right after being escorted off the ice. “The ref put me in a choke hold with the other guy still coming at me. I couldn’t breathe so I had to shove him off.” Leveille was also handed an undisclosed fine.
“Levs is the biggest game changer in the league,” Coach Karasiewicz said of Leveille’s tenacity and talent. “He can single-handedly take over a game. He is the most explosive player with the highest hockey sense that I have seen.”
“After being off for two years I didn’t feel like myself at the start of the season,” Leveille stated. “It was like I was missing a step. But after the first of the year it’s felt like I haven’t been off at all. I’m on top of my game again. Port Huron is a wonderful hockey town; the fans here are first rate. And Trevor takes care of his team really well. The way it’s going right now has me definitely thinking of going somewhere full time next year, but you never know what will happen.”
Photos courtesy of Shawn Crose and the Port Huron Prowlers
Follow the author on Twitter @RonnaReporter
You must be logged in to post a comment.