Jamie Huber fills a need for the Prince George Spruce Kings - generating offence.
The Kings announced the acquisition of Huber on Wednesday. The 19-year-old forward joins the local B.C. Hockey League team from the Listowel Cyclones, who skate in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League. Last season with the Cyclones, Huber struck for 33 goals and 80 points in 49 games.
"He will be a very big part of our group next season," said Kings general manager Mike Hawes. "His offensive numbers speak for themselves but he is a complete player who will be able to play in all situations for us."
The Spruce Kings are coming off a season in which they scored the second-fewest goals in the 17-team BCHL. In 58 games, they managed 143 goals, which put them ahead of only the Surrey Eagles (139).
Huber is a five-foot-10, 180-pounder from Goderich, which is in northwestern Ontario on the shore of Lake Huron. He said he is "really excited" to be the newest member of the Kings.
"I think the organization is running a great program," Huber said. "I feel like it's a great opportunity for me and that I can help the team as an offensive presence. I connected with coach Chad (van Diemen) very well and like the hard-working philosophy they have in Prince George."
Huber will arrive in time for the start of main training camp, Aug. 25 at Rolling Mix Concrete Arena.
Other moves the Kings have made during the off-season include the additions of 20-year-old forward Brett Mennear from the West Kelowna Warriors, 20-year-old defenceman Connor Russell from the Cowichan Valley Capitals and 18-year-old blueliner Drew Lennon from the Connecticut Oilers of the Eastern Hockey League.
On the subtraction side of the ledger, the Spruce Kings have traded 20-year-old forward Connor Logan to the Battlefords North Stars of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, 19-year-old forward Nic Ponak to the Langley Rivermen (BCHL) and 19-year-old forward Jordan Funk to the Kindersley Klippers of the SJHL. All three players were dealt in exchange for future considerations.
