Victoria Cougars scoring leader Steve Axford commits to Okanagan College

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Okanagan College is pleased to announce a commitment from Victoria native Steve Axford, who will suit up for the Coyotes beginning in the 2012/13 B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League season and participate in the college's welding program.

Axford joins the Coyotes after a tremendous final season of junior hockey with the Victoria Cougars of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League. The 1991-born Axford is a gifted offensive player who spent a part of two seasons in Junior A before finishing at home in Victoria.

The 5 foot 9, 175 pound forward scored 25 goals and added 50 assists for a total of 75 points in 41 games with the Cougars last season to tie for the league lead in scoring. He also took home the Top Playoff Performer award with 17 points in nine games including seven goals, two of which were game winners.

During his time at the Junior A level, Axford suited up for the St. Albert Steel of the Alberta Junior Hockey League and the Cowichan Valley Capitals and Powell River Kings of the BCHL. Steve scored 11 points in 57 career games during his time in Junior A.

Axford was an assistant captain with his hometown Cougars and enjoyed spending his final year of Junior hockey playing at home.

"We had a great group of guys here in Victoria last year, I really enjoyed this past season," he says. "We had a solid year and a good playoff run, unfortunately we came up a bit short in the Cyclone Tayor Cup final against Abbotsford. It was nice to play an important role on the team and be counted on in key situations."

"Steve adds great speed and skill to our forward group," comments manager Kolby Barnstable. "We will look to Steve to provide an offensive punch and be a key contributor on our power play. The numbers he put up last season are very impressive and we are confident he can be an impact player for our team."

Axford is the 5th player to commit to the Coyotes this offseason. He joins Chris Derochie (Beaver Valley Nitehawks, KIJHL), Trent Dorais (Alberni Valley Bulldogs, BCHL), Dane Rupert (Kelowna Chiefs, KIJHL) and Scott Fellnermayr (Dawson Creek Rage, NAHL).