Thompson Rivers bolsters blueline with addition of Kamloops Storm captain

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The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack are pleased to announce that another former Kamloops junior hockey player has committed to them for the 2011-12 season.

Mike McCance of Whistler, B.C. had been the team captain of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League Kamloops Storm the past two seasons. Now that he has fulfilled his junior eligibility, McCance has decided to stay in Kamloops and play with the ‘Pack.

“I’m excited to be able to play with some of my former teammates and attend TRU,”the 5’8” McCance states. “It’s a great sized school that really fits well with me.”

Some of those former –now-reunited teammates with the WolfPack include goaltender Anthony Manfredi (Prince George, BC), Jassi Sangha, David Gore, Cody Lockwood and recent recruit Duncan Schulz (all of Kamloops, BC).

"My first year with the Storm, I was defence partners with “High tower” (Lockwood),” McCance explains.

McCance has attended TRU the last two seasons taking upgrading courses.

He appeared in 46 games with the Storm in 2010-11 scoring ten goals and adding 21 assists. He added 245 penalty minutes while being named the team’s most valuable player and being awarded a KIJHL Scholarship award.

“I’m a good physical player, hardworking and I can provide some leadership.”

McCance appeared in the KIJHL all-star game in both 2008-09 and 2009-10. He is confident that he can juggle both an increased course load and playing in the BCIHL.

“I have balanced both school and hockey since I was 15,” McCance states. “I know it will be a challange but from what I have heard, the WolfPack staff is very helpful and will allow us to miss a practice when it comes to school.”

TRU general manager Chris Hans is pleased to have McCance in the fold.

“I am pleased that Mike has chosen to further his education at TRU and join us. Mike is a quality person who brings tremendous leadership abilities. I expect Mike to be able to step right into our line up and provide a stable influence on our blue line.”

McCance joins his teammate from last year: forward Duncan Schulz (Kamloops, BC) and goaltender Sean Mainprize (Valemount, BC) as the new recruits on the WolfPack.

On staying in Kamloops, McCance stated: “I’ve been in Kamloops so long that it seems like my second home. I hope to be able to help out with the Storm in a coaching capacity when I get the chance.”