Former RBC Cup winner Dashko commits to SFU for 2011

The Simon Fraser University’s Men’s Ice Hockey program is pleased to announce a commitment from defenceman Volodymyr Dashko to attend SFU and join the team for the second half of the 2010/11 B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League season when the spring semester commences in January.

Dashko earned a reputation as a hard-nosed defenceman during three junior seasons spent with the Okotoks Oilers and the Humboldt Broncos. In 2008, Dashko helped the Broncos to an RBC Cup title as Canada’s National Junior A champions. The 23-year old played a total of 151 games split between the Alberta and Saskatchewan Junior Hockey Leagues, totalling five goals, 46 points and 288 penalty minutes.

"Voldy will add another a tough, reliable presence to our blueline for the stretch run this season and in the years to come," says SFU head coach Mark Coletta. "He isn’t a guy who’s flashy, but he’s been a popular player everywhere he’s played because of his willingness to battle and stand up for his teammates. We have a very skilled group and having a guy like Voldy gives everybody some more space on the ice to operate."

The Okotoks, AB product made a brief stop in professional hockey, suiting up for the International Hockey League’s Bloomington Prairie Thunder during the 2008/09 season. "I’m really excited to take the next steps in my academic and hockey careers at Simon Fraser," says Dashko.

"It’s a special opportunity to be able to play at a top-end school and step into the line-up for a first place team. I’m looking forward to doing what I can to help the team repeat as BCIHL champions."

Dashko will make his BCIHL debut on Friday night when SFU hosts Selkirk College. Face-off is set for 8:00 PM at the Bill Copeland Sports Centre.