The Prince George Spruce Kings needed some help on the blueline and Cooper Prechel has answered the call.
Prechel, a 17-year-old defenceman from Penticton, has signed with the Kings for the upcoming B.C. Hockey League season.
Prechel, listed at six-foot, 180 pounds, played last season in the Kootenay International Junior (B) Hockey League for the Princeton Posse. In 23 games he picked up four goals and nine assists as well as 18 penalty minutes. He also served a seven-game stint in the BCHL with the Merritt Centennials.
"Cooper is a very solid player who plays a very good all-around game," said Kings general manager Mike Hawes, in a team release. "He competes very hard, skates well, manages the puck well and can contribute in both ends of the ice. With the recent departure of Cole McCaskill to college hockey (Colorado College, NCAA) an opening on our back end was created and Cooper was someone that was very intriguing for me and the coaching staff.
"He will play a big part in our team for the next few seasons."
Prechel is expected to join his new teammates for the start of the Kings' training camp. Aug. 24.
