Written by Citizen staff
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Wednesday, 26 November 2008 |
If he’s not up on U.S. geography, Sam Muchalla is about to receive his baptism checking out the college hockey landscape in the midwestern states.
Northern Michigan University and the second-year Prince George Spruce Kings forward have agreed to terms of a scholarship commitment to begin next season in Marquette, Mich.
“This is the realization of a goal that I set for myself at the beginning of the season,” Muchalla said in a team release. “I wanted to prove myself in this league and earn a scholarship. To catch the eye of Northern Michigan is an honour. Securing the scholarship will allow me to go out there and play to my abilities without worrying about who might be watching me. I’m going to keep doing what I have been doing and work on improving my game for 2010.”
Muchalla currently leads the Kings in scoring with 41 points, tied for sixth in points in the B.C. Hockey League. Four of his 15 goals have been game winners.
“We couldn’t be happier for Sam,” said Kings head coach and general manager Ed Dempsey. “Sam has a ton of skill and even more desire to win. He is one of the league’s hardest working and most consistent players today. This is a great opportunity for Sam to join a well-established hockey program in the CCHA, one of the top leagues in Division I NCAA hockey.”
The 18-year-old native of Prince George will join a Wildcats team that will include several BCHL graduates, goalies Brian Stewart (Alberni Valley) and Devan Hartigan (Trail); defencemen Erik Spady (Salmon Arm) and T.J. Miller (Penticton); and forwards Andrew Cherniwchan (Nanaimo), and Matt Butcher (Chilliwack). Former Spruce Kings defenceman Derek May is currently in his senior year at Northern Michigan.
Muchalla is the third Spruce Kings player this season to sign a scholarship commitment letter. Defencemen Zach Davies (Quinnipiac) and Wes McLeod (Alaska-Anchorage) also signed deals. Alex Allan (Alabama-Huntsville) locked up his NCAA college future last season while with Olds Grizzlies of the Alberta Junior Hockey League.
McLeod, a second-year defenceman, has been picked to play for Team West in the Canadian Junior Hockey League Prospects Game, Dec 17 in Summerside, P.E.I. The 18-year-old from Kamloops ranks second in scoring among Kings defenceman with two goals and 17 assists in 26 games and is one of five BCHL players on the team. Goalie Alexandre Peck (Victoria) and forwards Curtis McKenzie (Penticton), Zac Ashdown (Nanaimo), and Spencer Bennett (Surrey) also made the grade.
“I’m excited for the chance to play in the CJHL Prospects game,” McLeod said. “Only a handful of players have this opportunity and I’m fortunate to be one of them. I’m going to do my best to represent myself, the Prince George Spruce Kings and the BCHL at the game.”
The game showcases prospects for the NHL entry draft in June. McLeod has been identified by NHL Central Scouting as ‘B’ prospect. Defenceman Brad Fast (Carolina Hurricane, 1999, third round, 84th overall) is the only Spruce King ever to be selected in the draft.
Team West is made up of players from the BCHL, and the Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Superior International leagues. They’ll play Team East (Northern Ontario, Ontario Provincial, Central, Quebec, and Maritimes junior league) in a one-game showdown. The players will also take part in a skills competition on Dec. 16.
West won the game in 2005 and 2006, and lost 5-3 to East last year.
McLeod is expected to rejoin the Kings in Duncan Dec. 18 for the first game of a four-game tour of the Island Division.
The Kings host the Quesnel Millionaires Friday night at the Coliseum (7 p.m. start), followed by home games Saturday against the Westside Warriors and Sunday against the Trail Smoke Eaters.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 26 November 2008 )
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