Spartans add trio with commitments from Bogress, Semeschuk & Lund

The 2018 BCIHL Champions continue to add to their recruiting class for the upcoming season. In the midst of a busy offseason, Trinity Western University knew they were going to have some significant skates to fill with graduating starters from their roster.

Joining the Spartans recruiting class are forward Jordan Bogress, defenceman Arlyn Semeschuk and goaltender Joshua Lund. Each new recruit brings some much needed elements to the TWU program and address some needs in all areas of the ice.

“Losing a couple top end defencemen, forwards and a starting goalie really has motivated our staff this spring," says Spartans head coach Barret Kropf. "We've been working on several key recruits to replace all-star players like Silas Matthys and Stefan Gonazales along with other key guys like Karsten Seidel and Dirk De Waal.”

With Bogress, the Spartans are acquiring some championship pedigree. While playing with the Delta Ice Hawks last season he won the Pacific Junior Hockey League championship while producing over a point game. He also spent the start of last season in Humboldt playing with the Broncos.

“He was almost a point a game guy there as well in Humboldt and so we know he is a guy with a nose for the net. We look forward to seeing that talent transition to the college level now too.”

Semeschuk is a third year transfer from Briercrest College from the Alberta College Athletic Conference and will bring some great depth leadership to Sparta. The smooth skating defenseman from Kelowna will be returning to his home province after competing with Briercrest the past three seasons.

“Arlyn is a leader," says Kropf. "We continue to make a case that leadership is influence, and that we place a high value on players who are seen as leaders on and off the ice. Arlyn checks all the boxes off and we are excited to have him come into our locker room this fall."

Lund is a product of Fullshear, Texas native has spent time playing junior in the USA as well as a stint in Sweden last year.

“Joshua is a young talented goaltender who we're confident he can come into our program and continue to develop," Kropf explains. "He will fit in great with our core guys who give us depth in our net and we are excited about his future. He is a tremendous student, and I know that our culture will be a place he can thrive and grow as a leader on and off the ice."

The Spartans will kick off the year with training camp, mixed in with exhibition games against University of British Columia, Simon Fraser University and University of Victoria, before embarking on their defense of the BCIHL championship.

Regular season play kicks off for the Spartans at the Langley Events Centre in early October.