Alex Newhook Accustomed to Change

A version of the following story appeared in the 2019-20 fourth edition of AVALANCHE, the official game magazine of the Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club. All proceeds from game-magazine sales at Ball Arena support youth hockey associations in Colorado.
Alex Newhook became an offensive force for Boston College almost immediately after he first laced up his skates and donned the maroon and gold threads. By mid-February, the then-freshman center had more points than NCAA games under his belt, registering 16 goals and 16 assists in his first 28 contests.
Newhook wrapped up his first college campaign by tying for the team lead in scoring with 42 points (19 goals and 23 assists) and was named the recipient of the Tim Taylor Award as the NCAA rookie of the year.
His quick transition to the college game was in keeping with his trajectory through youth hockey.

Knowing early on that reaching the NHL would require sharpening his skills against the best, Newhook sought out different leagues before college in pursuit of better competition, adjusting seamlessly to each new environment.
The St. John's, Newfoundland, native left home at 14 years old to live with his aunt and play at St. Andrew's College prep school in Aurora, Ontario. He moved again two years later to Victoria, British Columbia, to compete in the British Columbia Hockey League, a Canadian Junior-A circuit that boasts an impressive NHL alumni class.
Traversing the continent accelerated his maturity, both on and off the ice, and helped prepare him for the next stage of his hockey journey.
"A lot of people don't really experience that until they're a lot older," says Newhook, one of the Colorado Avalanche's two first-round picks in the 2019 NHL Draft. "For me, I've gone through those things (leaving home to compete) and kind of been independent for a while now. The transition was definitely pretty easy coming [to Boston College] and being able to meet new guys and find different routines."
His path through the junior ranks also offered him more exposure, as intended, which he especially capitalized on with the Victoria Grizzlies. Newhook led the BCHL in scoring in his second season in 2018-19, compiling 102 points (38 goals, 64 assists) in 53 games before leading all playoff scorers with 24 points (11 goals 13 assists).
Newhook was also chosen as the team captain that year, an honor that gave him a deep sense of pride as he reflected on his young career. It taught him how to be a leader among a talented group of players.
"A lot of guys (on that team) had come back who could've gone on to play in the NCAA or major junior," Newhook says. "And being a part of a good team, having a good year, and becoming a captain was important to me. I really enjoyed it."
His stock rose as a prospect that year too. Already a top college recruit, Newhook's name vaulted up NHL draft boards. The Avalanche chose him with the No. 16 overall selection.
"It was a crazy day, definitely one of the best days of my life," Newhook said of June 21, 2019 when the Avs picked him at the draft in Vancouver. "To be selected by Colorado, it was definitely a dream come true. They have such a great organization, and there's so much excitement around the team right now. It's really exciting to be a part of something like that."

After joining the Avalanche at that summer's development camp, he began his commitment at Boston College. Through the first six games of the 2019-20 season, Newhook had one goal as the Eagles started 2-4-0. Over the next 22 contests, he recorded 23 points (15 goals, 16 assists) and BC surged to a 17-4-1 record during that stretch.
Everything was clicking for the team, and with that came individual success and personal development.
"We're surrounded by such great company here at BC that it's hard not to learn something new every day," said Newhook, confident in his decision to attend college before taking the next ultimate step.
From Boston College's end, the feeling is mutual.
"He brings honest enthusiasm every day to our practices and games and has a ton of energy on the bench," says Eagles head coach Jerry York. "Moving at an early age has taught him how to adjust to new leagues and surroundings."
Newhook had his sights set on a Hockey East Conference championship in March, followed by a long NCAA tournament run. But both events were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Disappointing as it was, Newhook will forge ahead on his plan of developing into the best player he can be.

He's currently working on his craft with Team Canada at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship, looking to help his country to a second-consecutive gold medal.
With Canada and when he returns to the Eagles to begin his 2020-21 NCAA campaign, he's aiming to refine his game in preparation for the next opportunity. The one that presented itself on that day in June 2019.
"I'm just trying to make the most of [college]," Newhook said. "Learn as much as I can, and develop as much as I can to be ready to play for the Avs."