Prince George Spruce Kings defenceman Charlie Banquier will play at Stonehill College, an NCAA Division I hockey program in the Boston area, next year.
“Talking with Stonehill, they had all great things to say about the school, the hockey program and the education. It was very hard to turn down. After thinking about it and talking it over, I believe it was the best fit for me and continuing my education and hockey career at Stonehill."
In 49 games this season, Banquier has scored six goals and 14 assists (20 points) and recently played in his 150th career game at the junior hockey level. Playing in the North American Hockey League with the Odessa Jackalopes last season, the Oakville, Ont. native scored 19 points (one goal, 18 assists) in 57 games while serving as an assistant captain.
The Spruce Kings (25-20-4-1-0, fifth in Interior Conference) are down to their final four games of the season and will play host to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks (26-17-4-2-0, third in Interior) this Friday and Saturday at Kopar Memorial Arena.
If they win both, the Spruce Kings would leapfrog the Silverbacks with a chance to solidify home-ice advantage in the first round of playoffs heading into the final two games of the season next weekend in Cranbrook.
