Coyotes boost offence, leadership with signing of KIJHL MVP Dane Rupert

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The Okanagan College Coyotes are thrilled to announce a commitment from Kelowna Chiefs captain and local product Dane Rupert. A Kelowna native, Rupert has committed to attend Okanagan College this fall and suit up for the Coyotes. Rupert will begin his studies in the Bachelor of Business program at the College.

Rupert played his last two seasons at home with the Kelowna Chiefs in the KIJHL where he was the captain and heart and soul of the Chiefs. Rupert posted some tremendous numbers over his five-year junior career in the KIJHL, including 35 goals and 51 assists for 85 points in his final year.

Overall he finishes his junior career with a total of 200 games played, 95 goals, 140 assists for 235 points and 137 penalty minutes. Rupert split his time between in the KI with the Nelson Leafs and Kelowna Chiefs. However it was with the Chiefs this past season where Rupert would claim the KIJHL and Okanagan Division awards for Most Valuable Player.

Rupert was also an inspirational leader and major contributor in the Chiefs' Cinderella run to the KIJHL championships. It was in the post season where Rupert proved his value scoring 30 points in 20 games. Despite a tough loss in the finals to the Beaver Valley Nighthawks the Okanagan divisions 4th seed were heavy underdogs who became 'Kelowna’s team' this spring.

When asked to talk about his accomplishments from the past season, Rupert re-directs the focus and praise toward his team as most good captains do.

"We had a great group of guys who played hard all year and despite some ups and downs during the regular season we came together at the right time," he syas. "There was good chemistry on our team and the boys played hard for each other."

Rupert looks forward to the jump up to the college level and is excited about suiting up for the Coyotes.

"I am looking forward to a great year. I am very excited to take the ice with my new teammates," says Rupert.

Coyotes head coach Kim Barnstable knows Rupert well after watching him over the past two seasons and is confident that Dane is exactly the type of player and character guy the Coyotes look for.

"Rupert is a dynamic player who competes hard every night and is a great fit for our program and our philosophy," Barnstable says. "We want to welcome Dane to our team and program and we are looking forward to the upcoming season."

Rupert is the third captain to commit to the Coyotes hockey program this year, as the team looks to have plenty of leadership for next season. Rupert joins Chris Derochie and Trent Dorais as the third player to sign with Okanagan College..

"You can never have too many quality players in your dressing room and we are very happy that these three leaders have chosen to study at OC and join our program."