A Shared Path to the Golden Knights
Kalia Pharand and her brother Alex Pharand, both raised on the frozen ponds of Chelmsford, Ontario, have each signed letters of intent to join Clarkson University’s NCAA Division I hockey program next fall. Kalia, a 6‑foot‑2 net‑minder, will pursue a degree in biology, while Alex, a 5‑11 forward, will study business. Their commitments mark the first time the town has produced a pair of siblings headed for the same collegiate roster.
Kalia’s résumé includes 44 starts this past season with a 32‑12 record, a 1.84 goals‑against average and a bronze‑medal performance at the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association championships in both 2025 and 2026. Her consistency earned her a reputation as a reliable last line of defense.
Eligibility Shift for Canadian Juniors
Alex, who spent four years with the Sudbury Wolves before finishing his junior career with the Windsor Spitfires, logged 323 OHL games, tallying 74 goals and 110 assists. He was selected in the fourth round of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks, but a ruptured oblique muscle stalled his professional debut.
The landscape shifted when the NCAA announced in November 2024 that Canadian Hockey League athletes would be eligible for Division I competition. That policy change gave Alex a clear pathway to combine his scholarship with a chance to play at the highest level of college hockey.
Both siblings credit each other for the drive that has defined their careers. Kalia admires Alex’s relentless work ethic and quick rebound control, while Alex often points to Kalia’s discipline and focus as a model for his own preparation.
Their journey began on a modest backyard rink in Chelmsford, where weekend matches turned into daily training sessions. The community, fans, and their parents have been constant supporters, a factor Alex highlighted in a recent interview.