BCHL standout Mitch Labreche commits to SFU for 2010/11 season

The Simon Fraser University Men's Hockey program is pleased to announce a playing commitment from former Powell River Kings forward Mitchell Labreche for the 2010/11 B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League season.

Labreche joins SFU following an outstanding season in which he helped the Kings to their second consecutive Coastal Conference championship and the seventh game of the Fred Page Cup Finals. The 20-year old finished 9th in BCHL playoff scoring with 17 points in 23 games after a 36-point regular season.

"We're very excited to be adding a player of Mitch's character and ability," says SFU head coach Mark Coletta. "He played three seasons in the BCHL and advanced to the League Finals in two of those years -- we feel he's a proven winner who can step in and contribute from day one."

Labreche spent two seasons with the Penticton Vees before being acquired by Powell River. His time in the Okanagan included 87 games played and a BCHL Championship as a rookie in 2008.

"Mitch is coming off a breakout offensive season, especially in the playoffs," says Coletta. "We feel that he has the potential to develop into a guy who puts up excellent numbers, and he's already very responsible and hard-working in the other areas of his game."

"I’m very happy to be taking the next step in my life by coming to a great school like SFU," says Labreche, who expects to pursue a major in Biology. "I’ve learned alot playing in the BCHL and I’m looking forward to this new challenge."

The Nelson, B.C. product was the recipient of the Kings' Unsung Hero and Most Sportsmanlike Player awards at the conclusion of the 2009/10 season. He joins fellow former BCHLers Colby Kulhanek, Kyle Leung and Matthew Ius amongst SFU's growing list of committed players for the upcoming season.