The Prince George Spruce Kings are adding new faces both on the ice and behind the bench as they prepare for the 2025-26 British Columbia Hockey League season, announcing the commitment of two promising young forwards and the hiring of new support staff.
The team confirmed the addition of 2008-born Slovak forward Matúš Lukáčik, along with 2006-born Quebec native Mathis Laplante.
The Spruce Kings have also finalized their hockey operations staff, hiring Brad Tobin as associate coach and Ryan Wolfe as the team’s new athletic therapist.
Lukáčik, a 6-foot-1, 183-pound forward from Martin, Slovakia, spent the 2024-25 season with the Cleveland Barons 16U AAA program in the U.S. He posted 22 goals and 41 assists over 77 games and represented Slovakia at the U16 level this past year.
“Matus is a young player who plays with a lot of maturity,” said Spruce Kings general manager Mike Hawes. “He’s got great size and speed and competes hard in all areas. He’s a great addition to the group, we’re excited to have him joining us.”
Lukáčik said the team’s developmental approach and strong culture drew him to Prince George.
“I’m really happy and excited to join the Prince George Spruce Kings,” Lukáčik said. “After I talked with the coaches and learned more about the team and how it works, I felt this is the best place for me to grow — as a player and also as a person. I’m ready to work hard every day and help the team win in any way I can.”
Lukáčik will be joined by Laplante, a 6-foot, 182-pound forward from Ste-Catherine, Que., who played last season with the Manitoba Junior Hockey League’s Steinbach Pistons. In 52 regular-season games, Laplante recorded 20 goals and 20 assists, adding two goals in six playoff appearances.
Prior to his time in Steinbach, Laplante suited up for Collège Charles-Lemoyne, where he tallied 25 goals and 20 assists over two seasons.
“Mathis is a fierce competitor who works hard in all areas of the game,” said Hawes. “He checks a lot of boxes when it comes to character and on-ice ability. We’re thrilled to have him joining us next season.”
Laplante said he is eager to make an impact with his new club.
“I’m engaging myself with Prince George to proudly represent this organization,” Laplante said. “I’m looking forward to making the fans happy.”
The Spruce Kings also announced additions to the team's coaching and support staff, hiring Brad Tobin as associate coach and Ryan Wolfe as the new athletic therapist.
Tobin brings a wealth of BCHL experience to the Spruce Kings bench. The Delta native spent a decade with the Surrey Eagles across two stints, including time with the 2013 Fred Page and Western Canada Cup championship team.
He has also served as head coach and general manager of the Creston Valley Thunder Cats (KIJHL) and most recently led the Olds Grizzlys of the Alberta Junior Hockey League.
“Despite still being a fairly young guy, Brad is an experienced coach with a lot of years spent in the BCHL,” Hawes said. “His vision and ideas for our program align very well with my own and with our other staff members.”
Tobin said he’s eager to bring energy and leadership to a club that has become known for its development-first approach.
“My goal is to support our players in their development, bring enthusiasm to the rink every day and help build a culture rooted in accountability and hard work,” said Tobin. “I’m grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to get started.”
Tobin will join a coaching staff that includes head coach Brad Tesink, assistant coach Brandon Manning, goalie consultant Kris Joyce, strength and conditioning coach Chase Astorino, and mental performance consultant Kolin Kriitmaa.
On the health and wellness side, Ryan Wolfe is coming to Prince George from Winnipeg, where he studied athletic therapy at the University of Manitoba. Wolfe has gained experience with several professional and university-level teams, including the Winnipeg Jets, Blue Bombers, Valour FC and the Manitoba Bisons football program.
“Ryan is an impressive young man who we are thrilled to have joining our organization,” said Hawes. “Through the interview process he checked all the boxes that we were looking for in an athletic therapist.”
Wolfe said he’s looking forward to helping the players stay strong and healthy over the course of the long BCHL season.
“I’m excited to be working with such a great organization like the Spruce Kings,” Wolfe said. “I look forward to working closely with the players and staff to help keep the team healthy, strong, and ready to perform at their best.”
Wolfe replaces Michael Miller, who has accepted a new position with the CFL’s BC Lions.
