Holy Toledo! Ben LeFranc is going to Holy Cross.
The 19-year-old Prince George Spruce Kings defenceman posted the news Tuesday on his social media site that he’s committed to a scholarship agreement to play NCAA Division 1 hockey with the Holy Cross Crusaders based in Worcester, Mass.
“The recruiting process was quick. Everything fell into place so suddenly,” said LeFranc. “Going out there to Worcester and engaging with the team as well as seeing the campus and facilities in person made it so much easier to make my decision.
“What made Holy Cross so attractive to me was their elite coaching staff, their emphasis on hockey as well as academics, and their alumni network. If hockey ends, you have the ability to find internships and jobs and be set for life.”
It came as no surprise that the Penticton native is moving on to the NCAA after playing his third and most productive season in there years in the BCHL with the Spruce Kings. He was the team’s top-scoring defenceman and in 51 games he collected six goals and 24 assists for 30 points. He led the team with 16 power-play assists.
“We are very proud of Ben, and he and his family are very deserving of this achievement,” said Kings head coach Alex Evin. “Since joining our team as a young player in the shortened COVID season, we have witnessed Benny put in the work to be a successful junior hockey player and now he is rewarded with a college commitment.”
LeFranc, who turns 20 on Aug. 14, joined the Kings in 2020, after four seasons at Okanagan Hockey Academy in Penticton.
“Benny is a perfect example of how the development model works,” said Spruce Kings general manager Mike Hawes. “He came to us three seasons ago and worked hard on his game. That hard work has resulted in this much-deserved NCAA Div. 1 scholarship with a great program.”
The Crusaders are part of the BCAA Atlantic Hockey Association, which includes former Spruce Kings Nick Bochen and Colton Cameron (Bentley University) and Duston Manz (American International College).
