Coltyn Hansen may have found his scoring touch in his flowing long hair.
The 20-year-old may have started growing his hair on a dare from his old billets in Victoria but the Prince George Spruce Kings forward has had the scoring touch this season, leading his new B.C. Hockey League club with 18 points (seven goals) in 20 games.
"It's been about six, seven months now and it's already this long," said Hansen, shaking out the shoulder-length mane he's acquired since March 15. "I'm looking forward to seeing how long it's going to get after another five and a half months. If it looks good I'll keep it."
It's debatable if Hansen's hair gives him scoring powers like Samson but the Spruce Kings may want to keep all Delilahs out of their top scorer's path.
Last season with the Victoria Grizzlies, Hansen had 19 goals and 36 points in 58 games.
Hansen said his teammates are envious of his new hairstyle.
"Everybody always says they want to grow their hair out but they don't actually get around to doing it," said Hansen.
Cameron Lawson, the Spruce Kings third-leading scorer this season, was traded with Hansen and defenceman David London to the team from Victoria during the summer, marvels at his friend and roommate's ability to grow his mane.
"He's got really good hair," said Lawson. "He pulls it off better than I could."
His hair notwithstanding, the Spruce Kings management was likely more attracted by Hansen's speed on the ice and offensive abilities when they picked him up. Being traded together made it easier for Hansen and Lawson to get used to their new environment.
"It definitely makes it easier," said Hansen. "We drove up here together. I think I would've been a little more nervous if he wasn't here with me. It worked out good."
The duo have combined for most of the season as two-thirds of the Spruce Kings top forward unit. Lyndon Martell makes up the other third.
"It seems he's always open for a pass," said Hansen about playing with Martell. "He's always right in front of the net and ready for a shot so it works out really well."
Like Hansen, the 19-year-old Lawson has seven goals but trails his linemate by one point having played the same number of games. Martell has 12 points in 14 games. Both Hansen and Lawson are happy with their output so far but are looking to capitalize more often in the future.
"If our line can stay consistent and win the battles below the goal line and our own zone, I think we can be a pretty dominant line," said Lawson.
The coaches at Sacred Heart University, located in Fairfield, Connecticut, were mesmerized by Hansen's abilities enough to offer him a scholarship to join the NCAA Division 1 school next September to play for the Pioneers.
"I'd talked to a few schools lately and it was my first offer that I got from any team really and it was good enough so I accepted it," said Hansen. "I'm pretty excited to go there. I felt pretty comfortable with the coaches and everything there. They seemed pretty excited to get me."
What kind of player are the Pioneers getting?
Hansen said he's not as fussy about his goal-scoring style as he is about taking care of his new tresses.
"I skate wide, crash the net and, hopefully it goes in," he said.
