A new netminder has been welcomed into the Prince George Spruce Kings’ realm.
Kobe Grant brings the goaltending trio back to par as Carter Woodside has parted ways with the organization and is currently waiting to be traded, the team confirmed to PrinceGeorgeMatters.
The 18-year-old recruit comes with notable experience, including a 10-10-0-1 record in 21 starts and a 3.19 goals-against average with the Thompson Blazers during the 2019-20 season.
His two-year BC Under-18 AAA career combined for 22-15-2-1 and included two shutouts.
Grant also got the opportunity to suit up in six games with his hometown Vernon Vipers, five of which were during the 2020-21 extending training season in the fall when he played 303 minutes between the pipes.
“He's a good young athletic goalie and is a good fit for our current roster,” explained Spruce Kings General Manager Mike Hawes in a team statement.
“I wanted to get back to carrying three goaltenders due to a lack of access to affiliate players this season and in anticipation of us being able to play games in the near future.”
Grant formally comes over from the Kelowna Chiefs of the Kootenay International league (KIJHL).
He did not suit up in any of the junior ‘B’ team’s four pre-season games prior to the current pause COVID-19 has on many hockey leagues in B.C.
Grant is also the second player the Spruce Kings have needed to call up to complete its 2020-21 roster due to a player's departure.
Earlier this week, Linden Makow was promoted to full-time forward with Darwin Lakoduk choosing to head to the NCAA for the remainder of its 2020-21 campaign.
The BCHL is waiting until mid-February to come to a decision on a potential season start as current provincial public health orders formally ending Feb. 5, 2021.
This includes no travel for sports, no fans, only non-contact practices and training sessions.
