Alexis Gravel Bio
Alexis Gravel is a German-born French-Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender for the Belfast Giants in the UK’s Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL). Born on March 21, 2000, in Berlin, Germany, he has played for several teams, including Adler Mannheim in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga. Gravel was drafted 162nd overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. His notable achievements include winning the Hap Emms Memorial Trophy as the best goalie at the 2019 Memorial Cup and the Major W.J. ‘Danny’ McLeod Award as MVP of the 2022 U Sports University Cup.
Early Life and Background
Alexis Gravel was born in Berlin, Germany, and later moved to Asbestos, Quebec, Canada, where he grew up. He is the son of François Gravel, a former professional ice hockey goaltender who was selected in the third round of the 1987 NHL Entry Draft by the Montreal Canadiens and represented France in the 1998 Winter Olympics. Alexis began playing goaltender at the age of five while living in Italy, where his father played professionally for 12 years. This early exposure to the sport laid the foundation for his future career in hockey. Gravel attended the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, where he played for the UQTR Patriotes from 2021 to 2023.
Path to Hockey
Before entering major junior hockey, Alexis Gravel played two seasons for the Mississauga Senators in the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL). He was selected 20th overall in the second round of the 2016 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) Entry Draft by the Halifax Mooseheads. Gravel began his QMJHL career in the 2016–17 season, appearing in 50 games and posting a record of 17 wins, 24 losses, and 3 overtime losses. Despite a challenging first season, he was nominated for the Raymond Lagacé Trophy, awarded to the QMJHL’s best defensive rookie. In his second season, Gravel faced difficulties with his performance but managed to regain focus and excel in the following season, leading to his selection by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.
Alexis Gravel Career
Early Career (2021–2022)
Alexis Gravel began his professional career with the Allen Americans of the ECHL for the 2021–22 season, after going unsigned by the Chicago Blackhawks. His time with the Americans marked the start of his journey in professional hockey. During this period, he showcased his skills as a goaltender, leading to greater opportunities in the sport.
Breakthrough (2022–Present)
Gravel’s breakthrough came during his time with the UQTR Patriotes, where he played from 2021 to 2023. He played a pivotal role in leading the team to victory in the 2022 U Sports University Cup national championship, earning the Major W.J. ‘Danny’ McLeod Award as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. His standout performance included a remarkable 66-save game in the double overtime victory against the University of Alberta Golden Bears in the final. Following his success in university hockey, Gravel returned to professional play, joining the Orlando Solar Bears for the 2024–25 season.
Notable Works and Milestones
Alexis Gravel’s signature work includes his performance at the 2019 Memorial Cup, where he was awarded the Hap Emms Memorial Trophy as the best goalie, with a save percentage of .918. His achievements in both junior and university hockey have established him as a promising talent in the world of ice hockey.
Alexis Gravel Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Alexis Gravel has received notable nominations, including the Raymond Lagacé Trophy for the QMJHL’s best defensive rookie and recognition for his outstanding performances in various tournaments.
Alexis Gravel Awards Won
Alexis Gravel has won several awards, including the Hap Emms Memorial Trophy in 2019 and the Major W.J. ‘Danny’ McLeod Award in 2022, highlighting his skills and contributions to the sport of ice hockey.
Alexis Gravel Family
Alexis Gravel is the son of François Gravel, a former professional ice hockey goaltender. His family’s background in hockey has significantly influenced his career path and dedication to the sport.
Personal Life
Alexis Gravel was born in Germany but grew up in Canada. He has maintained a focus on his hockey career while balancing his education and personal life. His journey reflects a commitment to excellence in the sport, shaped by his family’s legacy and his own experiences on the ice.