WHL grad Colby Kulhanek commits to SFU for the 2010/11 season

Simon Fraser University Men's Ice Hockey general manager Jeff Dubois announced today that the team has received a commitment from Western Hockey League graduate Colby Kulhanek to join the team for the 2010/11 British Columbia Intercollegiate Hockey League season.

Kulhanek comes to SFU after playing three seasons in the Western Hockey League with the Chilliwack Bruins, Red Deer Rebels and Prince George Cougars. The Port Coquitlam, B.C. product enjoyed his most productive Major Junior season in 2007/08, when he scored 14 goals and collected 28 points in 64 games split between Chilliwack and Red Deer. He totaled 17 goals and 46 points in 161 WHL games.

"We’re very pleased that Colby has committed to compete at Simon Fraser University beginning this fall," Dubois said. "He is a talented winger who should provide an immediate offensive boost to a strong returning group. He’s also a solid physical presence who has succeeded at a very high level of junior hockey."

Kulhanek began last season with the Alberta Junior Hockey League’s Sherwood Park Crusaders before being traded to the BCHL's Burnaby Express. In 62 combined games he tallied 16 goals and 49 points along with 68 penalty minutes. In the 38 games he played for the Express, Kulhanek scored seven goals and totaled 28 points. During that time he also took on a leadership role, being named as the team’s Assistant Captain.

“I’m thrilled for Colby that he’ll have the opportunity to play his university hockey at SFU,” said Burnaby Express general manager Darcy Rota. “Colby brought tremendous leadership and character to our club after we acquired him last season, and I wish him all the best as he takes the next step in his hockey career and with his studies.”

The Port Coquitlam product began his junior hockey career as a 16-year-old, when he suited up in 47 games for the Langley Hornets in 2005/06.

Kulhanek joins a number of fellow BCHL grads at SFU, including goaltender Justin Mulholland (Surrey Eagles) and forwards Patrik Martin (Trail Smoke Eaters) and Jake Bouma (Cowichan Valley Capitals).