Nate Clurman's hockey career has been anything but a straight line. The 27-year-old defenceman, now in his first season with the AHL's Laval Rocket, took a road less travelled, one that began with discipline at a military academy and continues with a steadfast pursuit of an NHL dream that feels tantalizingly within reach.
A Foundation Forged in Discipline
At just 15 years old, the native of Boulder, Colorado, made a pivotal decision. He left home to attend the Culver Military Academy in northern Indiana. The goal was twofold: to advance his hockey skills and to immerse himself in a structured, regimented environment. "You marched to breakfast with your squadron. There were parades on the weekend and standards for cleaning," Clurman recalled in an interview with The Gazette. "It taught me how to take care of myself... if you buy into it, you're ahead of the game." This early experience instilled a level of personal responsibility that would later set him apart.
His unconventional path continued at the University of Notre Dame, where he balanced Division I hockey with a demanding major in accounting. Elected team captain as a junior in the 2020-21 season, Clurman opted to forgo his senior year to turn professional, carrying the lessons of discipline and preparation with him.
The Long Road to an NHL Debut
Originally selected by the Colorado Avalanche in the sixth round (161st overall) of the 2016 NHL Draft, Clurman spent the majority of his early professional career in the AHL, close to home with Colorado's affiliate. After signing as a free agent with the Pittsburgh Penguins last season, his perseverance was finally rewarded.
On December 29, he made his long-awaited NHL debut against the New York Islanders. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound defenceman logged 11:05 of ice time, recorded four shots, and was honoured with the Penguins' player-of-the-game helmet. More memorable than the stat line was sharing a dressing room with legends. "It was fun to look around the room. Be next to Sid (Crosby) and (Evgeni) Malkin," Clurman said. "Sid is just a great guy. He was very happy for me... He liked that I didn't come right away and earned the opportunity."
Finding a New Home with the Laval Rocket
Seeking a fresh start for the 2025-26 season, Clurman signed with the Montreal Canadiens organization, joining the Laval Rocket. He was drawn by the team's strong development system, the NHL-calibre facilities at Place Bell, and its passionate fanbase. "It seemed like a good place to keep the development going," he stated. "We'll see throughout the year if there's room to go up."
Through 21 games with Laval, Clurman has contributed five assists and boasts an impressive plus-nine rating. He has carved out a role as a reliable, defensively responsible blueliner. Rocket head coach Pascal Vincent praised his consistency: "He's coachable and quiet... He makes a good first pass and is just consistent for us. He's doing the job."
Despite his steady play, Clurman understands the organizational depth chart. He acknowledges that other prospects like Adam Engstrom and David Reinbacher are likely ahead of him for a recall. Yet, his military-school-forged resolve remains. "You have to hold on to (the hope) as long as you can," he said, describing the NHL as feeling "so close yet so far at times." "You play your own game and work hard... Ride the roller-coaster and try to stay in it."
As the Rocket prepare for a two-game set in Cleveland, the team will be bolstered by the addition of Canadiens goaltender Samuel Montembeault, who has been assigned on a conditioning stint. Montembeault is expected to start both games as he seeks to regain his rhythm after not playing since December 2.
