Princeton Posse forward Andrew Stack commits to TRU for 2014/15 season

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Thompson Rivers University has extensively recruited from the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League in the past. So when it comes to filling holes on their roster for the 2014/15 B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League season, it comes as no surprise that head coach Don Schulz has gone back to the KIJHL for talent.

Schulz and the WolfPack are pleased to formally announce that forward Andrew Stack (West Vancouver, B.C.) has committed to the team for the upcoming year.

Stack is the second KIJHL recruit to decide to come to Thompson Rivers, following Kamloops Storm defenseman Spencer Schoech.

"I chose TRU because of several reasons," says the 5-foot-11 Stack, who split this past season between the Kimberley Dynamiters and Princeton Posse. "They have a strong hockey program and I wanted to continue playing. The university has a good reputation and I have always wanted to live in Kamloops."

"I have friends that are already going to school there and a very close one, Brandon Watson, just completed his first year with the WolfPack. After hearing what he had to say about TRU and the WolfPack, I knew it is where I wanted to go."

Stack will be taking courses with an eye to getting a Bachelor of Business Administration degree at Thompson Rivers.

"I was looking at options for schools both on Vancouver Island and in the Lower Mainland, but ultimately I wanted to go to TRU and am fortunate to commit here."

Stack finished high school and played midget hockey at the famed Father Athol Murray College of Notre Dame in Wilcox, Saskatchewan.

When asked about his strengths, he says: "I'm a committed, determined and ambitious guy in all areas of my life. That translates into how I play the game. I bring a strong physical presence to the ice, a quick shot release and can play all situations. I also see the ice well."

He adds his physical play and skill set should benefit the WolfPack as they look to move up the ladder of the B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League this season.

When it comes to balancing school and hockey, Stack is well aware of the self-discipline it takes.

"My academics have always been a priority. I'm excited to have been accepted into Business Administration. Graduating from Notre Dame, I am already familiar with balancing my academics, athletics and social life."

Stack finished with 16 goals and 24 assists in 49 games in 2013/14. He also played in the KIJHL with the Summerland Steam (2011/12) and Osoyoos Coyotes (2012/13). He has the distinction of being an assistant captain on both those teams as well as in Kimberley.

WolfPack head coach Don Schulz is pleased to have Stack join his program. "It's with great pleasure that I was able to convince Andrew to come here. I have some present players that spoke most highly of Andrew and he definitely fits into the power forward category which we really need with the departure of some of graduates and non-returnees."

"Conversations with his past coach, and my observations of watching him play really confirmed our need to sign him. His speed, grit, determination, net finish and his character are welcome additions to the WolfPack."

He is looking forward to the many community activities the WolfPack partake in including Wendy’s Dreamlift and Breakfast for Babies.

"It's important for our program to be involved in the community," he says. "I'm looking forward to being a role model."

Stack says committing to the WolfPack fulfills one of his lifelong dreams.

"It's been my goal to play collegiate hockey for a very long time. I'm passionate about both my hockey and the Business Administration program. I am looking forward to an incredible first year at TRU."

Quoted on the Princeton Posse website about Stack's commitment to Thompson Rivers, Head Coach/GM Bill Rotheisler stated: "A very well-earned congratulations to Andrew on his commitment to TRU. I cannot say enough about how high the level of respect I, and we, have for Andrew coming in as a 20-year old and buying in with both feet to the program and truly becoming part of our family."

Stack and Schoech join former Kamloops Blazer and Prince George Cougar Ryan Hanes (Kamloops, BC) as hockey recruits for the WolfPack for 2014/15.