Two more local products commit to TRU WolfPack

Two more local products have committed to the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack Men’s Hockey program. 23-year old defenceman Korey Gannon and forward Joel Leonard have become the second and third players to join the team. They follow in the footsteps of forward David Gore (Kamloops, BC).

"This just seems like a natural progression," stated Gannon, who has been a business student at TRU the past two years. "We have both known Chris (Hans-head coach of the WolfPack) for a number of years . This program seems tailor made for us."

Leonard, a 6’1” left wing and the 6’2” Gannon played “AAA” midget hockey under Hans with the Norkam Lions in 2002-03.

"It was a really fun experience working with Chris," he says. "We have all the ingredients to have a very successful team right from the get go."

Both players are returning to the game they love after a hiatus. Gannon last played in 2005/06 for the BC Hockey League's Vernon Vipers. Leonard spent last season coaching the Kamloops Jardines “AAA” Bantam Blazers. He last played in 2006/07 for the Kamloops Storm of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League.

Leonard and Gannon say balancing school and hockey is something they have experience with.

"Playing Junior hockey, you get used to doing that," Gannon explains. "Before though, there was more of an emphasis on playing. Now, it’ll be the books first and hockey second."

Leonard plans to take four business courses in the Fall.

"It’s set up pretty good," he says looking at the practice and game schedule. "We play on the weekends and practice only three times a week. That should give me enough time to get my assignments in."

Both players are very excited about the start of the WolfPack’s inaugural training camp on September 8th.

"We have been looking at this for month’s now," says Leonard.

"It’ll be nice to play in Kamloops again after being removed from it for so long," adds Gannon. "We have heard rumblings for years about getting a university team for Kamloops. I’m so glad that the society put this together. Knowing the people involved in it, I know we’ll be a success."

Says head coach Chris Hans about his two newest players: "Joel Leonard is an talented forward with tremendous skating ability who is effective in both ends of the rink. He thinks the game well and brings a considerable amount of leadership characteristics to the WolfPack. Korey Gannon is a solid defensive minded defenceman that will anchor the WolfPack defence. He is a ferocious competitor with good size and a good skill set. He also brings great leadership abilities."

"Both Joel and Korey are welcome additions to the WolfPack Hockey club"