January has been a decision-making month for several Prince George hockey players.
Spruce Kings’ defenceman Nick Bochen signed a scholarship this week to play for the University of Michigan in NCAA Division One hockey, becoming the third player in under two weeks to commit to post-secondary education.
Bochen, a 17-year-old product of North Vancouver, has posted 25 points (five goals, 20 assists) thus far in his first season in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) and will start his collegiate career in the 2020-21 season.
A week earlier, forward Ben Brar, who is currently in his final year of Junior ‘A’, committed to Merrimack College in the Northeast United States, also in Division One play, and will start his new career in September.
The Abbotsford, BC native is on pace for a career season in the BCHL; he has 43 points (25 goals, 18 assists) in 42 games as of Sunday.
Humbled to announce my commitment to Merrimack College. Thank you to my family, my friends, and everyone who has helped me along the way #warriors #ppw
— ben brar (@brarzan) January 9, 2019
After this season is over, the Spruce Kings will also see defenceman Max Coyle head (deep) south of the border for the next step in his hockey career.
The 20-year-old will suit up for University of Alabama-Huntsville in the Fall, making it official on Jan. 4.
The only other college-committed player on Prince George is goaltender Logan Neaton, who is slated to join University of Massachusetts-Lowell later this year.
He signed the dotted line on Dec. 10.
The Spruce Kings are back in action this weekend with three-games-in-three-days on tap, facing off in Penticton (Friday), Vernon (Saturday), and West Kelowna (Sunday).
Very excited to announce my commitment to play D1 hockey at the Univeristy of Alabama Huntsville. Thank you to everyone who helped me get here. #gochargers pic.twitter.com/o14u2ZNUP1
— max coyle (@max_maxcoyle) January 4, 2019
