The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack had some good success with graduates of the Pacific Junior Hockey League in 2012-13, as Jarrett Martin, Jake Howardson and Kevin Lourens all made big contributions in their rookie season.
With that in mind, the B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League team is pleased to announce the signings defencemen Alex Martin and Ryan Cuthbert of the Delta Ice Hawks as their second and third recruits for 2013-14. They join forward Brandon Watson of the KIJHL's Osoyoos Coyotes as WolfPack recruits.
"I am most pleased and excited about acquiring one of the better if not the best defensive pairs out of the PJHL," says WolfPack head coach Don Schulz . "They are both good sized, athletic defencemen who are tough to play against. They don’t shy away from physicality, are mobile and provide significant offensive contributions as well. I met both of them after our last game against Trinity in Langley and was very impressed with their demeanor and maturity."
Martin is 6’2”, 200 pounds and had six goals and 23 assists in 43 games along with 78 penalty minutes.
"I'm really excited to be coming to TRU and to be able to play alongside Ryan," he says.
Martin will be taking courses towards a Police and Justice diploma at Thompson Rivers.
"I'm hoping to contribute towards a successful season in 2013-14," adds Cuthbert, who is 6’2”, 185 pounds. "It’s great to be able to continue to be teammates with Alex. We talked about it in the past, although it seemed almost too good to be true. I thought the chances were very slim."
The two have been defense partners for the past three seasons with the Ice Hawks, who captured the PJHL title in 2012. Cuthbert had committed to Thompson Rivers initially after looking at the University of Victoria. He will be taking courses towards a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.
"I decided on TRU because of the wide variety of courses they offered, the location and the reputation of both the school and the hockey program."
Cuthbert lists his strengths as being decision making, physical presence, passing accuracy and positional play. Martin feels his puck movement and physical play are his strengths.
Their coach in Delta is familiar with both the BC Hockey League (former head coach) and the BCIHL (was an assistant coach with SFU). Dave McLellan couldn’t be happier that his two players are moving to Thompson Rivers.
"You have made two very good selections," he says. "Both Alex and Ryan are quality people and are above average players."
"The addition of Alex and Ryan solidifies an already solid WolfPack blue line corps," adds Thompson Rivers general manager Chris Hans. "Alex and Ryan are well-rounded hockey players. They are defensively responsible, bring good size and high compete levels to the WolfPack. Their offensive upside is tremendous and I expect Alex and Ryan will quickly adjust to the BCIHL."
The WolfPack have a number of other player signings to announce in the coming weeks.
ICE CHIPS: McLellan on Martin: "I have coached him for the past three seasons and have seen him grow a player and leader. Alex is a hard working effective player who can play in all situations and is a very good leader. In addition, Alex is player that can play a tough style of hockey that includes the ability to finish checks, block shots and fight if needed. Alex is a very good all round player that is ready to make a difference at the University level. Alex will bring a tremendous attitude, work ethic and commitment to TRU."
McLellan on Cuthbert: "I've have been around him as a player since his days at Seafair Minor Hockey and have coached him at the Junior Level for the past three seasons. Ryan is a very good player who can be effective in many situations and brings a tough workman mentality to his game. Ryan is a very popular teammate with a great attitude and desire to win. Ryan is more than ready to make an impact at the University level."
Schulz on his two new defensemen: "I hear lots of good things from their present coach and I’m really looking forward to working with these two young men in the future."
VICTORIA
SIMON FRASER
OKANAGAN
LOGAN LAKE
VANCOUVER ISLAN.
