For the first time since they became established as a junior hockey team in 1972, the Prince George Spruce Kings will have a player born and raised in Europe.
Max Ranström, a 2004-born defenceman from Sweden has signed to play next season in the B.C. Hockey League for the Spruce Kings.
The 18-year-old native of Filipstaf, Sweden played 36 games this past season for Skellefteå AIK J20 and scored two goals and 12 assists and had only four penalty minutes. BIK Karlskoga J18 and had five goals and 31 assists in 32 games and also played three games for the J20 team, contributing three assists.
The BCHL’s decision to pull out of Hockey Canada to allow the 18 member teams to bring in 16- and 17-year-old players from outside of the province opened up roster rules and all teams are now allowed to have a maximum of two players from outside North America.
“My agent told me that the BCHL had made some new rules allowing European players to play next season” said Ranström, in a team release.
“One of the biggest reasons why I wanted to commit to Prince George was the fact a lot of people had many good things to say about the team and coaches, and that it was a top program in Canada. Another big reason what that I really liked the calls between me and (head coach) Alex Evin. I liked the way he wanted to play and how his view on development was.”
Ranström was already on his way to North America, having committed to Lake Superior State for the 2024-25 season.
“We are thrilled to have Max join our program to prepare himself for NCAA Div. 1 hockey,” said Evin. “While there will certainly be some transition to the North American style of play, we believe Max's skillset and mind for the game will allow him to contribute at a high level for our team.”
