Trinity Western University has added a key piece to its forward unit as Spartans coach Barret Kropf officially announced the signing of Matthew Bissett (Pitt Meadows, B.C.) on Thursday.
The 5-foot-10, 170-pound forward tallied 24 goals and 31 assists in 43 games last year with the Richmond Sockeyes to finish eighth in league scoring in the Pacific Junior Hockey League. Including last year’s 55-point season, Bissett racked up 88 goals and 82 assists in 146 career games over the last four years in the PJHL, playing with both Richmond and Ridge Meadows.
He also played 13 games in the BCHL with Prince George, Chilliwack and Trail, collecting one goal and two assists.
Bissett will join fellow Sockeyes forward Daniel Oakley, who also collected 55 points last year, with the Spartans this fall.
“Matt is another great addition for our program,” Kropf said. “Adding another local product who has come from the Sockeyes program is always an added bonus for us. Having both Oakley and Matt sign with our program together is a double bonus. They were dynamic offensively with the Sockeyes and we are expecting them to bring that production over here to the Langley Event Centre next fall.”
“I’m thrilled to be joining the Spartans this fall," Bissett said. "I believe it will give me an excellent opportunity to excel in both my educational and hockey aspirations.”
Along with Bissett and Oakley, the Spartans have now signed three players for 2015, including defenceman Kaleb Denham (Innisfail, Alta.).