After recently leading the Clarkson University Hockey team to its best season in four years, four members of the Class of 2012 have put their collegiate playing days behind them and are pursuing their professional hockey careers.

Jake Morley signed an Amateur Tryout Agreement (ATO) with Springfield in the American Hockey League and joins former Clarkson standout Chris D’Alvise ’09 in the Falcons’ organization. The Golden Knights’ leading scorer this past season, Nick Tremblay is also playing in the AHL with the Providence Bruins.

Louke Oakley is skating with the Wheeling Nailers in the East Coast Hockey League, and Corey Tamblyn has signed an ATO with the Elmira Jackals in ECHL.

“I am very excited for the guys,” stated Clarkson head coach Casey Jones. “They were part of a great senior class for me and outstanding leaders. I wish them nothing but the best.”

Clarkson’s captain in 2011-12, Morley, a 6-2, 216-pound forward from Ogdensburg, NY, played in his first professional game on Friday night in the Falcons' 5-1 win over Portland at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. Morley was the right wing on the Falcons' ourth line, playing with center Ryan Garlock and left wing Adam Mair, and registered one shot on goal.

“Its kind of a culture shock from playing in college one week and the next week playing in the AHL,” stated Morley. “Everyone has been great down here, very professional. It has been a great experience. They want me to play a physical game and play with energy, same way I played at Clarkson. I try to keep it simple, and stay solid defensively. My linemates last night (Garlock and Mair) are really good players who are strong on the puck.”

Morley skated in 34 games for Clarkson this past season and recorded seven goals and nine assists. He played in 130 career games and posted 47 points (19-28).

A 2008, 6th-round NHL Draft selection of the Boston Bruins, Tremblay also played in his first AHL game on Friday night after signing an ATO with Providence on March 15. Tremblay led the Green and Gold in scoring this season with a team-high 17 goals and 19 assists for 36 points through 37 games. A 6-0, 189-pound forward from Candiac, QUE, Tremblay accumulated 33 goals and 55 assists through 143 career games at Clarkson.

"It has been a different lifestyle," said Tremblay. "I am taking advantage of the two-week break for grad school at Clarkson, and looking to make the most of this opportunity. They are looking for me to create offense, use my speed, limited turnovers and play a strong game overall. I was pretty nervous at the start (of Friday’s game), but after I took a couple shifts I settle right in. It was a lot of fun."

Teammates for four seasons at Clarkson, Morley and Tremblay will be on opposite sides on Sunday afternoon when Providence hosts Springfield in a 4:00 p.m. game at the Dunkin' Donuts Center. “It should be fun,” stated Morley. “Hopefully both Nick and I will be in the lineup. We are good friends and had a great time at Clarkson. It is a big step for both of us to be now playing in the AHL.”

Oakley, a 5-10, 185-pound forward from Whitby, ONT, has played in five games with Wheeling after signing an ATO on March 9. He has recorded two assists and a +1 rating, picking up his first point as a professional with an assist against Florida on March 10.

Oakley enjoyed a standout senior campaign with the Knights, tallying 35 points on 16 goals and 19 assists. He finished his Clarkson career with 81 points (25-56) in 136 games.

Tamblyn, who signed on with Elmira on March 14, was perhaps the fastest skater for Clarkson. Tamblyn played in all 39 games for the Knights and recorded seven goals and 11 assists. A 5-11, 190-pound forward from Bobcaygeon, ONT, Tamblyn recorded 47 career points (19-28) through 130 games.

Oakley and Tamblyn could also face off against each other on Sunday when Wheeling visits Elmira for a 4:00 p.m. game at First Arena on March 18.

The seniors played a prominent role for the Knights this past season as Clarkson skated to a 16-17-6 overall record and finished in a tie for sixth place in the ECAC Hockey standings, one point shy of fourth, with a 9-9-4 conference mark.