Liam Blackburn will make the jump to junior hockey with the West Kelowna Warriors.

Blackburn, a local 16-year-old who currently plays for the Cariboo Cougars of the B.C. Major Midget League, has committed to the Warriors for the 2013-14 BCHL season. Back in November, he was added to the 50-player protected list of the WHL's Victoria Royals.

Blackburn said he's excited about joining the Warriors' organization.

"The chance to play with such a solid team and staff doesn't come along every day," said Blackburn, who currently sits second in MML scoring with 29 goals and 73 points in 36 games. "They have already made me feel so welcome and I look forward to beginning my junior career in a Warriors jersey."

Prince George product Seb Lloyd, a former member of the Cariboo club, has established himself as an impact player with the Warriors this season and is looking forward to having Blackburn in the mix.

"It's really exciting to have another Prince George player join the program here," he said. "The Cariboo Cougars do a great job developing young players and I have no doubt Liam will be a great player for the Warriors in the future."

Blackburn holds the single-season scoring record for the Cougars. He recently surpassed the totals of Brett Bulmer, who piled up 63 points in the 2008-09 season. Blackburn has fired hat tricks in three of his past five games.

Blackburn and the rest of Cougars will be in action Saturday (1 p.m.) and Sunday (8:45 a.m.) when they face the South Island Royals at CN Centre.

The Cats will close out their regular schedule with March 2-3 road games against the Vancouver Northeast Chiefs.