Prince George Spruce Kings forward Rowan Miller is heading north to Alaska.
The 20-year-old Scottsdale, Ariz., native has signed a scholarship agreement to play next season with the University of Alaska-Anchorage Sea Wolves.
“I’m extremely excited to receive a scholarship from the University of Alaska-Anchorage,” said Miller, in a team release.” I’ve dreamt of playing Division 1 hockey for most of my life.
“I’ve had tons of help over the past two years from my teammates and coaches with the Spruce Kings. Coach Al (Evin) and Lukáš (Lomicky) have been very supportive of me and have helped me improve tremendously as a player and a human.”
Miller has impressed college scouts with his ability to generate offence. In 44 games this season he had 20 goals and 18 assists for 38 points.
This is his second season in Prince George, joining the Kings in a trade with Powell River, where he played his first two B.C. Hockey League seasons.
In 163 BCHL games he has 40 goals and 40 assists. Last season, in a pandemic-shortened season in the 2021 Chilliwack Pod, Miiller scored five goals and had nine assists in 14 games.
He was selected for the Spruce Kings Seventh Man Award in 2020-21.
“We are very proud of Rowan and he and his family are very deserving of this achievement,” said Evin, the Kings’ head coach. “Since joining the Spruce Kings, Rowan has been a fantastic team player and continually works hard to improve both on and off the ice. He has matured into a tremendous young man, and we wish him success in his future athletic and academic journey at Alaska.”
The Spruce Kings host the Salmon Arm Silverbacks in a weekend doubleheader at Rolling Mix Concrete Arena tonight and Saturday. Games time both nights is 7 p.m.
