Selkirk College receives commitment from VIJHL All-Star Justin Sotkowy

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The Selkirk College Men’s Ice Hockey program is pleased to announce a commitment from defenceman Justin Sotkowy (Victoria, B.C.) to join the Saints for the 2011/12 British Columbia Intercollegiate Hockey League season.

Sotkowy brings a wealth of experience to the Saints' blueline following a junior career that included stints with the British Columbia Hockey League's Quesnel Millionaires, Cowichan Valley Capitals and Powell River Kings.

The 5-foot-11 blueliner totalled six points and 49 penalty minutes in 63 Junior A contests, and most recently suited up for the Kings in their 2011 BCHL Championship appearance against the Vernon Vipers.

The 20-year old spent the majority 2010/11 season with the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League's Victoria Cougars, scoring three goals and adding 38 assists in 39 regular season games. His 41 points were the second most by a VIJHL defenceman while his 20 power-play assists led all skaters. He finished 16th overall in league scoring and also tallied 129 minutes in penalities.

“Justin is a tremendous addition to the Saints hockey program,” says Selkirk College athletics director Kim Verigin. “He was one of the top defencemen in Junior B hockey last season and he plays an excellent two-way game. We expect Justin to step in and be a top player for us in his first BCIHL season.”

"Choosing to attend Selkirk College was an easy decision for me, and an opportunity I couldn't pass up," says Sotkowy. "I'm looking forward to a season of hard work while developing my skills on and off the ice. I've always wanted to continue playing hockey in B.C. while furthering my education." 

"I hope to be able to play an important role in leading the Saints to a successful and rewarding season in the BCIHL. I continue to hear great things about Selkirk and the community of Castlegar and can't wait to be a part of it all."

Sotkowy is the third player to commit to the Saints' this offseason, joining Kelowna Chiefs forward Jordan Wood and Kimberley Dynamiters defenceman Sandro Moser. To learn more about playing opportunities at Selkirk College, contact Kim Verigin at kverigin@selkirk.ca.