Three members of defending BCIHL champions commit to TRU for 2013/14

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Thompson Rivers University has gained some much-coveted "winning experience" for the upcoming B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League season.

General manager Chris Hans and head coach Don Schulz are pleased to announce that forwards Brodie Gibbon and John Proctor along with goaltender Stephen Wolff will be joining the program in September. All three were members of the BCIHL champion Selkirk College Saints last season.

"I'm most pleased with the additions of these three players," says Schulz.
"Saying pleased is an understatement. They all come from a successful, championship program and will bring a wealth of positive experience to the dressing room. All three want to contribute more and show what they can do at this level."

Gibbon is 5-foot-9, 170 pounds and had two goals and two assists in 13 games with the Saints last season. Proctor stands 6-foot-4, 215 pounds and played in 13 games last season, scoring a goal and adding two assists. Wolff won all six games he was in last season, compliling a goals against average of 2.62 and a saves percentage of .913.

"I've heard nothing but positive things about both the school and the hockey program," Proctor states. "I feel Thompson Rivers will be a perfect fit for me to further my education while continuing to play the sport I love."

Proctor, who will be taking courses in the Business Administration degree program, is a former minor and junior hockey teammate of fellow WolfPack recruits Alex Martin and Ryan Cuthbert (with the Delta IceHawks of the PJHL) and second-year forward Kevin Lourens (with the Major Midget Vancouver North East Chiefs).

"I chose TRU because it’s close to the town I grew up in (Logan Lake, BC)," says Wolff, who will enrol in Police and Justice studies. "A lot of the friends I grew up with there now live in Kamloops. It was an easy decision for me to choose Thompson Rivers as a school where I would further my studies. It’s a great school with a great reputation."

Gibbon will be entered in the Bachelor of Journalism program and is pleased to be reunited with his two Selkirk teammates and former Junior B teammate Jake Howardson, who he played with as a member of the VIJHL's Oceanside Generals.

"It's always easier going into a dressing room with some familiar faces in it," he says. "But I'm looking forward to meeting and getting to know my new teammates."

"Brodie and John will add some needed depth to our forward crew and will complement our returning group very nicely," Schulz explains. "Both were scorers in junior and now that they have added some experience at this level, they know what to expect and what it takes to be successful. They are looking for a new beginning and a fresh start with us. I expect both of them to add to our offensive prowess and provide some needed punch up front."

As for his new goalie, the third fresh face at that position for 2013-14?

"What can I say about Stephen? He is undefeated at this level and his saves percentage was outstanding last year. We had some big holes to fill at this position and now with Stephen’s addition, those holes have been more than filled. I’m most excited at the depth we have with three outstanding goalies. I expect that all three will bring a whole new level of competitiveness and given Stephen’s experience, I expect him to be a leader both on and off the ice."

Adds general manager Chris Hans: "Brodie and John are nice additions to our roster. They are experienced at the collegiate level and add much needed depth to our forward group. Prior to last season, Brodie and John enjoyed exceptional seasons on their respective junior clubs. While their offensive numbers were modest last season, I expect them to make significant contributions to our success next season. The addition of Stephen Wolf is a fantastic development for our team. He is an excellent goaltender who had impressive stats this past season with the Saints. His BCIHL experience cannot be overlooked either as I expect him to be a stabilizing influence to new goaltender recruits Mark Menicucci and Chris Solecki."

Other recruits committed to the WolfPack for the upcoming season are: Daniel Higgs (Aldergrove Kodiaks, PJHL), Ryan Veillet (Aldergrove Kodiaks, PJHL), Alex Martin (Delta Ice Hawks, PJHL),  Ryan Cuthbert (Delta Ice Hawks, PJHL), Brandon Watson (Osoyoos Coyotes, KIJHL) and Cameron Weir (Nelson Leafs, KIJHL).

More player announcements are expected in the coming weeks.