SAN JOSE, Calif. – Senior forward Donavan Villeneuve-Houle of the University of Maine men's ice hockey team has signed an amateur tryout agreement (ATO) with the American Hockey League's (AHL) San Jose Barracudas, as announced on Monday by the organization. The Barracudas are the top affiliate of the National Hockey League's (NHL) San Jose Sharks.
 
Houle set career-highs in points (24), assists (15) and shots on goal (88) this season. He tied for fourth on the team with nine goals and was fifth on the team with his 24 points. Houle recorded two power-play goals and one short-handed goal in 2023-24. He was part of a Black Bears' squad this season that made the program's first NCAA Tournament and Hockey East Championship weekend appearance since 2011-12.
 
The Montréal, Quebec native finished his Maine career with 64 points from 28 goals and 36 assists in 120 career games while scoring six power-play goals, four game-winning goals and two short-handed goals.