Thompson Rivers University will have a few new faces on the blue line when they open up their 2014-15 B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League regular season in September.
The WolfPack have secured their fourth new defenseman for the coming season. Head coach Don Schulz is pleased to announce that 6-foot-2, 180 pound blueliner Desmond Bast of Langford, B.C. has committed to the team for the coming campaign.
Bast is 19 years old and spent last season with both the Nipawin Hawks of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (Junior A) and the Peninsula Panthers of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (Junior B).
Last season, he had one assist and 26 minutes in penalty time in 15 games in the SJHL before heading home to notch two goals and six assists and 64 penalty minutes in 19 games with Peninsula. He added three assists and 73 penalty minutes in 16 playoff games.
"I'm excited that Des has committed to our program and enroll at Thompson Rivers," says Schulz. "He's a defensive style type D, good on penalty killing with mobility and skills that will complement our defense corps. He is a most welcomed addition."
Bast is the second member of the Panthers to decide to come to TRU this year following in the footsteps of forward Tylor Branszen.
"I was very excited when I found out Des will be playing for the WolfPack this year," exclaims Branszen. "He is not only a solid defenseman but also a great guy to be around. This should be a great season."
Their coach and general manager with Peninsula last season was Brian Passmore, who says: "Des is a complete team player and is well-liked and respected by teammates and coaches. He plays a physical game and has a good hockey IQ. Furthermore, some of the strengths that Des brings to the team are his ability to get the puck through and on net from the point, communication with his defensive partner and is great on the penalty kill."
Passmore goes on to say: "Des is such a key guy to have on a team. He sticks up for teammates and competes in every practice and game. Des loves and respects the game of hockey. He is a mature guy and earns everything he gets."
Bast will be taking Architectural and Engineering Technology at Thompson Rivers University.
"TRU had the exact program I wanted to take and I have heard great things about the school," he says.
Bast believes handling the rigors of school and playing for the WolfPack will not be a problem.
"I've always been pretty dedicated to school. It will take some getting used to but I am up for the challenge."
He has seen some BCIHL games and knows it will be a step up competition wise.
"Considering I am playing against men now instead of teenagers, I would say I will need to be stronger on pucks."
Other TRU recruits for the coming season are: Ryan Hanes (Prince George Cougars, WHL), Spencer Schoech (Kamloops Storm, KIJHL), Andrew Stack (Princeton Posse, KIJHL), Sam Nigg (Summerland Steam, KIJHL), Conor McCoach (Concordia University, NCAA Div III), and Hunter Jenerou (Castlegar Rebels, KIJHL).
The WolfPack training camp starts the first week of September.
POWER PLAYS: Passmore on having Bast and Branszen playing together for a third season: "I think Des reuniting with Tylor will give them some familiarity and they can help each other adjust to their new surroundings including school and hockey. Both boys are outgoing and have a great sense of humor so I am sure they will keep things in the locker room upbeat. Both Tylor and Des are very smart and have a great work ethic. I'm sure they will have a great time at TRU."
Bast played for three teams in the VIJHL in his 88 game career (Comox Valley Glacier Kings and Kerry Park Islanders in 2012-13 and the Peninsula Panthers last season). He also played one game in the BCHL with the Victoria Grizzlies. In 88 career VIJHL games, he notched seven goals and 27 assists and had 276 minutes in penalty time. Bast’s cousin Jason plays CIS hockey for St. Francis Xavier.
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