His dream is becoming a reality, as the 19-year-old defenseman will play for Cornell next season. Veilleux attributes the Lumberjacks and his time in the USHL to his development on both ends of the ice, shaping his defensive game while his offensive side progressed.
“They did the most they could to make sure I’m ready for that next step,” Veilleux said. “First and foremost, it was my defensive game, don’t chase any points just play the game the right way. Just to take care of the d-zone and the offense and the points will come. I worked a lot on my shot, and I had a good team too this year, I can give the puck to my teammates, and they could finish the job.”
Before making the jump from the USHL to the NCAA, there’s an important step in between for Veilleux, which is development camp following the 2025 NHL Draft. At the one-year mark since Veilleux was drafted by the Isles, he’ll have a week to skate and bond with fellow Isles prospects when camp kicks off a
“I’m excited to bond with the other guys at development camp and create good chemistry and go from there,” Veilleux said. “It’s exciting for sure, can’t wait to be there.”
For Veilleux, it’s the next stop on the road.