It’s not on par with making the switch from the Crips to the Bloods, but at the same time, in Ivy League circles, the move that Detroit Red Wings draftee Rudy Guimond is making would be construed as somewhat blasphemous.

The goaltending prospect was once committed to play college hockey at Yale. Guimond decommitted from that school. Now, he has announced a commitment to Yale’s arch-rival Harvard.

‼️🚨BREAKING🚨‼️
 
The Harvard Crimson have received a commitment from Rudy Guimond!

Sixth round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft by @DetroitRedWings

‘05 born net-minder from Quebec split 2024-25 between Cedar Rapids (USHL) & Moncton (QMJHL) pic.twitter.com/RcF8Q9kqN6

— College Puck NXT (@CollegePuckNXT) July 30, 2025

Guimond will be playing NCAA hockey for the Crimson beginning with the 2026-27 season. He’s already set to return to play the upcoming season with the QMJHL Moncton Wildcats.

“I am honored to announce my commitment to pursue academics and play D1 hockey at Harvard University,” Guimond posted on his Instagram account. “I would like to thank my family, coaches, and everyone who has helped me along the way.”

Moncton Move Paid Dividends For Red Wings Pick

Guimond joined Moncton last November, following the rule change that would allow CHL players to play in the NCAA. He made the move from Cedar Rapids of the USHL.

“For sure, it’s tough to leave the team and go to a different one, meet new guys, but that stuff happens in pro hockey,” Guimond said. “So I think I definitely developed on the maturity side of things.”

The change of locale also paid on-ice dividends for Guimond. He went 16-0 during the regular season with a 1.73 GAA and .940 save percentage. Helping the Wildcats reach the Memorial Cup by winning the QMHL title, Guimond was 8-1 with a 2.25 GAA and .916 save percentage in the playoffs.

Surprise inattendue aujourd’hui à Beaconsfield : Gabe a eu la chance de croiser la Coupe du Président !
Un gros merci à Rudy Guimond pour ce moment mémorable @monctonwildcats 🙌

Not every day you get to see the @LHJMQ Presidents Cup when out and about in the neighborhood! pic.twitter.com/TYVjtvxWuW

— Gregory Kelley (@gharperkelley) July 24, 2025

As much as it was about the success he enjoyed, Guimond’s decision to stay in Moncton was swayed by the opportunity to play another season for Wildcats coach Gardiner MacDougall.

“Yeah, he’s a really interesting guy,” Guimond said. “I think the big thing is that he tailors his way of doing things towards the person that you are. So he gets the best out of all of his guys. And that’s really impressive.”

Detroit Viewing Guimond As Long-Term Project

Selected 169th overall by the Red Wings in the 2023 NHL entry draft, the Detroit brass are looking upon Guimond as a long-term project. They like the idea of him playing college hockey.

“Now I think with the CHL rule and NCAA, it opens things up to a longer runway and more of an opportunity that these young prospects can play,” Red Wings assistant GM and director of amateur scouting Kris Draper said. “Whether it’s playing in the USHL or playing major junior. And still have the opportunity at 19 or 20 years old to go to school.

“It gives you a longer time and more of a development plan with these goalies.”