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Canisius defenseman FJ Buteau is shown skating during game action at Army on Oct. 14, 2025
Michael K. Heit

Ice Hockey

Buteau Tabbed AHA Defenseman of the Month

Canisius freshman defenseman FJ Buteau has been named the Atlantic Hockey America Defenseman of the Month for January, league officials announced on Wednesday.
 
A native of Montreal, Buteau recorded two goals and five assists in seven games played during the opening month of the 2026 calendar, helping guide the Golden Griffins to a 6-2-0 overall record and a 5-1-0 ledger in conference play. He also contributed to the team's defensive efforts, ranking second on the squad with 13 blocked shots.
 
Buteau was recognized for his play with a pair of weekly awards in January, being named the AHA Rookie of the Week (Jan. 20) and AHA Defenseman of the Week (Jan. 27) in consecutive weeks.
 
The rookie rearguard notched points in five of seven games played, highlighted by a season-best four game point scoring streak. He opened his 2026 account with an assist in Canisius 5-3 win against RIT on Jan. 16 before notching a goal and an assist in a 4-1 triumph versus the Tigers the following evening to complete the weekend sweep.
 
Buteau turned in another solid performance in the Griffs sweep of Mercyhurst on Jan. 23-24. He assisted on the game-tying goal in a 4-3 comeback victory against the Lakers in the series opener before notching the game-winning goal and an assist in the 5-0 shutout of Mercyhurst in the weekend finale.
 
He finished the month with an assist in Canisius' 4-3 overtime victory against Battle of the Bridge rival Niagara.
 
Canisius (14-10-2, 9-7-2 AHA) returns to action Feb. 6-7 with a two-game Atlantic Hockey America series at Robert Morris. Puck drop for both games of the weekend set between the Griffs and Colonials is slated for 7 p.m. at Clearview Arena in Moon Township, Pa.
 
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Players Mentioned

FJ Buteau

#73 FJ Buteau

D
6' 4"
Freshman
L

Players Mentioned

FJ Buteau

#73 FJ Buteau

6' 4"
Freshman
L
D