The Okanagan College Coyotes are thrilled to announce a commitment from goaltender Landon Kroeker (Steinbach, MB) to compete for the Coyotes in the 2012/13 B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League season.
The former SAIT Trojans netminder has enrolled in the very popular and well respected Business program at Okanagan College. He brings a great resume and will undoubtedly give the Coyotes a strong 1-2 punch in net.
Kroeker played his junior hockey with the BCHL's Quesnel Millionaires and the MJHL's Winnipeg Saints. It was in Winnipeg in his final year of junior hockey where Landon would emerge as a starter and bonified #1 goaltender. He then spent three years at the South Alberta Institute of Technology in the Alberta College Athletic Conference. With the Trojans Kroeker played a total of 37 games and most impressively was a part of back-to-back-to-back ACAC Championship teams. He has also won an Allan Cup with the South East Prairie Thunder.
"I feel that Okanagan College will be a great fit for me personally, as they have a strong business program where I can complete my BBA," Kroeker explains. "I have also taken notice of their improving hockey program and am very excited to join the team in hopes of contributing to a Championship season."
The 6 foot 1, 190 pound goaltender is a big body in the net who moves very well and competes hard. Kroeker posted a 2.07 goals against average and a .928 save percentage in his final year with SAIT.
General Manager Kolby Barnstable comments on the signing of Kroeker: "Adding a goaltender with Landon’s track record and ability to win games cannot be minimized. We have had three great seasons as a program here at OC but we have yet to take home the ultimate prize, a BCIHL title. By adding a proven winner and guy who knows what it takes to win a Championship, Landon brings an attitude and expectation our club has been looking for. We will look for Landon to be leader on and off the ice, and his experience will undoubtedly make us a much stronger team."
Kroeker gives Okanagan College a solid 1-2 punch in net with BCIHL Second Team All-Star Sunny Gill set to return for his third season with the Coyotes.
"Both guys will push each other and benefit from the competition," says head coach Kim Barnstable. "This is a great boost for our hockey club and one that gives us three very capable goaltenders."
With the commitment of Kroeker, OC has now added six new players, including five forwards and one goalie for the upcoming 2012-2013 season. The Coyotes will name additional commitments in the near future.