Kilian McGregor-Bennett knew he had a college hockey future ahead of him.
Now he knows where he will be going to pursue it.
The 21-year-old Prince George Spruce Kings forward has signed a commitment to play NCAA Division 1 hockey next season at Stonehill College in Easton, Mass.
“I am extremely proud and honoured to announce my commitment to further my studies and play Division 1 hockey at Stonehill College," said McGregor-Bennett, named Thursday as the Mike Church Award winner as the Spruce Kings’ most valuable player this season.
“I would like to thank my family, friends, teammates, coaches and the entire Spruce Kings organization for helping me reach my goals and become a great human in the process. I am excited for the future.”
McGregor-Bennett, a native of White Rock, joined the Spruce Kings at the end of the 2019-20 season and has since played 167 B.C. Hockey League games.
"Kilian has been with us since the 2019-20 season and has been the consummate Spruce King," said Kings general manager Mike Hawes. "He wears his heart on his sleeve and is the hardest-working player every game and practice. He's also a great teammate and person who is very deserving of this commitment."
Through 48 games this season he leads the team with 19 goals and 37 points and is one of the alternate captains.
"Kilian has been a first-class Spruce King for the past four seasons,” said head coach Alex Evin. “He began as an affiliate player in 2019 and has grown as a player and a person in our organization every year since. He will leave Prince George as an outstanding teammate, leader, hockey player and person."
"It is very rewarding to see our players reach their goals of playing college hockey and getting an opportunity to further their education.”
This is the second year Stonehill College’s varsity programs are competing at the Division 1. He’ll be reunited with former Spruce King defenceman Charlie Banquier, who just completed his first NCAA with the Skyhawks.
The Spruce Kings are in action on home ice this weekend at Kopar Memorial Arena to host the Vernon Vipers tonight at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 6 p.m. Those are the final regular season home games, to be followed by road games next weekend in Vernon and Merritt.
The Kings are matched with the Penticton Vees in the first round of the BCHL playoffs in a best-of-seven series that starts April 5 in Penticton. Games 3 and 4 of that series will be played in Prince George on Tuesday, April 9 and Wednesday, April 10.
