Justin Fillion's college hockey future has come into focus.
He's going Stateside to Michigan Tech.
The 20-year-old Prince George Spruce Kings defenceman has committed to a four-year scholarship to attend Michigan Technological University, an NCAA Division 1 school based in Houghton, Mich.
"I want to give my thanks to the Spruce Kings organization," said Fillion, in a team release. "I was given a great opportunity with the Spruce Kings to develop into an offensive guy and I can't thank the Spruce Kings enough."
Fillion, a third-year Spruce King currently ranks second in team scoring. Heading into Wednesday's game in Coquitlam he had 13 goals and 24 assists for 34 points in 38 games. In 153 games over three seasons he's collected 24 goals and 80 assists for 104 points.
"The Prince George Spruce Kings are very proud that a third-year veteran was able to secure a scholarship," said Mike Hawes, the Kings assistant general manager and director of player personnel. "Justin Fillion is a Prince George minor hockey product who has given his heart and soul to the Spruce Kings over the previous three years. It is really gratifying from an organizational standpoint whenever a fine young gentleman like Justin is able to reach one of his goals."
Sixteen-year-old Spruce Kings forward Jujhar Khaira is also bound for Michigan Tech on scholarship, but won't begin his affiliation with the Huskies until the 2012-13 season.
Jeff Earnest, a 19-year-old forward recruited by Alaska-Fairbanks, is the other college-committed Spruce King.
The Spruce Kings lost 8-2 to the Langley Chiefs on Tuesday in the first game of a four-game roadtrip. Go to www.pgcitizen.ca for details on their game Wednesday against the Coquitlam Express.
Prince George continues on Friday in Powell River and the Spruce Kings will be in Surrey on Saturday, their last game before the Christmas break. They return to the ice Dec. 29 at the Coliseum to face the Quesnel Millionaires.
