Selkirk College adds Creston Valley captain Scott Swiston for 2012/13

---

The Selkirk College Saints Men’s Hockey program is pleased to announce a commitment from forward Scott Swiston (Calgary, AB) to attend Selkirk College and compete for the Saints beginning in the 2012/13 B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League season.

Swiston joins Selkirk College following three seasons with the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League’s Creston Valley Thunder Cats. The 6-foot-4 centre was the team’s captain in 2011/12 and posted career highs with 28 goals, 33 assists and 61 points in 50 games played. Swiston’s career totals with the Thunder Cats include 47 goals, 121 points and 235 penalty minutes in 146 games played.

"One of our focuses in recruiting this spring has been identifying versatile players who can contribute in different roles within our team," says Saints head coach Jeff Dubois. "Scott certainly fits that profile; he’s a big, strong, two-way player who skates well and can play in all situations. He also made some real strides with his offensive game as a 20-year old and will be counted on to contribute in that area as well."

The 21-year old was recognized with a handful of team honours following his final junior season, earning the Thunder Cats’ Most Inspirational Player, Playoff Performer, Fan Favourite and Coach’s awards.

"Scott is a great young man with a very strong work ethic and a desire to win," says Creston Valley head coach Brent Heaven. "He has a natural ability to lead and he will be a huge asset to the Saints hockey program. The Creston Valley Thunder Cats are very happy that Scott has this opportunity to continue playing the game he loves while getting an education."

Swiston, like many current and incoming Saints players, plans to study in Selkirk College’s Business Administration program.

"I’m excited to come to Selkirk College to start a new chapter in my life with a post secondary education," says Swiston, who describes himself as a ‘grinder with just enough finesse to put the puck in the net’.

"I’m also excited about being a part of a team that is in a bit of a rebuilding stage and the potential that comes with an opportunity like that. In my first year at Selkirk I want to continue to improve my skill level and help the team go as far as possible in playoffs. I’m looking forward to experiencing the college lifestyle and getting a start on my education for post-hockey life."

Swiston is the fifth forward and seventh player overall to commit to the Saints for the 2012/13 season. He joins forwards Thomas Hardy (Aldergrove, PIJHL), Cole Thomson (Kerry Park, VIJHL), Matthew Luongo (Aldergrove, PIJHL) and Brodie Gibbon (Oceanside, VIJHL), defenceman Dylan Smith (Richmond, PIJHL) and goaltender Stephen Wolff (Oceanside, VIJHL).