Roger will join the Rochester Institute of Technology ahead of the 2025-26 season, stepping onto the Tigers’ blue line after a winding path through junior and Canadian college hockey.
The 22-year-old defenseman was a second-round pick by the Ottawa Senators in the 2021 NHL Draft, but he did not sign with the club and his NHL rights subsequently expired. He spent two seasons at St. Mary’s University in Nova Scotia, and now will take advantage of a newly clarified NCAA rule that allows him to suit up for RIT despite spending five years in the Ontario Hockey League.
While Roger is viewed as a long shot to reach the NHL, his pedigree as a former high-round draft pick could keep him on the radar for professional clubs if he produces a strong collegiate campaign. The move to RIT provides him with a fresh opportunity to showcase his game at the college level and potentially rekindle pro interest.
This development also gives RIT an infusion of experience and pro pedigree on the back end, aligning with a strategy of bringing in players who can contribute immediately while continuing their development in a high-competition college environment. If Roger makes a significant impact this season, it could be a compelling story of a player carving a new path toward professional hockey.
Summary: Roger’s transfer to RIT signals a hopeful new chapter, offering the Tigers added defensive depth and giving a former NHL draft pick a platform to mature and possibly vie for future opportunities in professional hockey.