For Jesse Pomeroy, these are exciting times.
This season, the local 17-year-old defenceman will play for a Cariboo Cougars team that will host the Telus Cup national midget hockey championship. Following a run at a Canadian title, he will take his talents to Salmon Arm, where he will join the B.C. Hockey League's Silverbacks for the 2017-18 season.
The Silverbacks announced Pomeroy's signing on Thursday. The pact was finalized after he played in exhibition games with the Cougars last week in Chase and Kelowna.
"We as an organization were thrilled with how well Jesse played and committed to him for next season," Silverbacks general manager Troy Mick said on the team's website.
"He will be an affiliate player this season for us and he will get into practices and games when opportunities arise."
Mick described Pomeroy as a "skilled, puck-moving defenceman." Last season with the Cougars, he had five goals and 22 points in 40 games. In seven playoff contests, he added one goal and six assists.
Pomeroy, who tops six feet and 170 pounds, said he is "excited and thrilled" to be joining the Silverbacks.
Pomeroy had previously committed to his hometown Spruce Kings for the 2016-17 BCHL campaign but will remain with the Cariboo club instead. Last season, as an affiliated player, he appeared in six games with the Kings.
The Cougars will host the Telus Cup April 24-30 at CN Centre.
