A familiar face will be back on the blueline for the Prince George Spruce Kings next season.
Stephen Penner, a 20-year-old defenceman who began his B.C. Hockey League career with his hometown Kings, has been re-acquired by the team. The Spruce Kings got Penner from the Trail Smoke Eaters in exchange for future considerations.
Penner, a former member of the Cariboo Cougars major midget team, stands six-foot-five and weighs 215 pounds.
"Stephen is a big, strong, physical defenceman who can contribute in both ends of the ice," said Spruce Kings general manager Mike Hawes in a media release. "I wanted to add some size and strength on the back end and Stephen is a great fit for us. Obviously we are very familiar with Stephen and what he brings to a team. As important as his on-ice ability is the fact that Stephen is a great person who is a tremendous teammate and is great in the room. He will provide some leadership and will contribute to an already strong group of returning defencemen."
From 2012 to 2014, Penner played a total of 74 games for the Spruce Kings. During that time, he had four goals and 13 points. The Kings dealt Penner to the Smoke Eaters in December of 2014. In 32 games with Trail, he contributed six assists.
Penner will join the Kings for their main training camp, which starts Aug. 24 at the Coliseum.
