The Prince George Spruce Kings have added experience to their blue line, announcing the commitment of 2006-born defenceman Fraser Leonard for the 2025-26 BC Hockey League season.
The 6-foot-2, 195-pound Leonard, from Cochrane, Alta., spent last season with the WHL’s Prince George Cougars, where he recorded three assists over 36 games. In total, Leonard has 12 points (four goals, eight assists) in 95 career WHL appearances with Calgary, Saskatoon and Prince George.
“Fraser is a great addition to our back end,” said Spruce Kings general manager Mike Hawes in a statement. “He's a veteran player with good size and has a great skill set. He will be looked upon to contribute in all areas. We're excited to add him.”
Leonard also expressed enthusiasm about joining the junior A club.
“I’m really looking forward to getting to Prince George and joining the Spruce Kings, and meeting new management and teammates,” he said. “I think it will be an awesome year with a great team and a few familiar faces I know. I’m looking forward to meeting all the Spruce Kings fans.”
The 2025-26 campaign marks the Spruce Kings’ 30th season in the BCHL. They open on the road Friday, Sept. 19 in Chilliwack against the Chiefs — the same team that eliminated them in a seven-game first-round series last spring.
Prince George fans will get their first look at the new-look roster the following weekend at Kopar Memorial Arena. The home opener is set for Friday, Sept. 26 against the Surrey Eagles, followed by a matchup with the Okotoks Oilers on Saturday, Sept. 27.
With the departure of the Penticton Vees to the WHL, the 20-team BCHL has realigned into four five-team divisions across two conferences. The Spruce Kings will compete in the Coastal East Division alongside the Chilliwack Chiefs, Coquitlam Express, Langley Rivermen and Surrey Eagles.
The Coastal West features Alberni Valley, Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo, Powell River and Victoria, while the Interior West includes Cranbrook, Salmon Arm, Trail, Vernon and West Kelowna. The Interior East Division is comprised of five Alberta-based clubs: Blackfalds, Brooks, Okotoks, Sherwood Park and Spruce Grove.
All BCHL teams will play a 54-game regular-season schedule, which concludes March 29. The Spruce Kings are set to begin training camp Friday, Aug. 29.
