Former Prince George Spruce Kings captain RJay Berra has secured a U.S. college scholarship.
Berra, who played 150 games over the course of three seasons with his hometown B.C. Hockey League team, will suit up this fall for the Manhattanville College Valiants, who skate in Division 3 of the NCAA. The school is located in Purchase, New York.
"From an organizational standpoint, it was an honour having a player like RJay play for us," said Spruce Kings general manager Mike Hawes. "We would like to wish RJay all the best as he continues his hockey career and academic studies at Manhattanville College."
In back-to-back seasons, 2009-10, Berra won the Kings' Scholastic Player of the Year Award. In 2010, he was also handed the Craig Dziuballe Memorial Award for outstanding community service.
In Berra's final season with the Kings, 2010-11, he was dealt to the Grande Prairie Storm at the trade deadline. At the time of the January transaction, he was the top marksman in the BCHL, with 34 goals. He finished his Spruce Kings career with 58 goals and 105 points.
In April, Berra played for Team Canada at the Region Centre Cup tournament in Russia. In the championship game, Canada beat the hosts 5-3.
