The Prince George Spruce Kings have added a Canadian champ to their roster.
The Kings announced on Friday the acquisition of 20-year-old forward Brett Mennear, who is fresh off winning the Royal Bank Cup national junior A hockey championship with the West Kelowna Warriors. Mennear is the future considerations part of the deal that sent Prince George forwards Jake LeBrun and Bryan Basilico to West Kelowna on Jan. 7. The Kings also picked up forward Tanner Campbell in that transaction, and Campbell had 26 points (13 goals, 13 assists) in 39 games in a Prince George uniform this past season.
Mennear, who was an assistant captain with the Warriors, had 18 goals and 42 points in 52 regular-season games with West Kelowna in 2015-16. In the Warriors' lengthy playoff run, he piled up seven goals and 21 points in 35 games.
"We are excited to add Brett to our organization," said Spruce Kings general manager Mike Hawes in a media release. "He is a veteran player who plays a very good 200-foot game. He is one of the premier penalty killers in the league and is also very good offensively. He will play a lot of key minutes for us in key situations next season. Brett is also a tremendous young man who will provide leadership on and off the ice."
Kings head coach Chad van Diemen is thrilled at the idea of having Mennear's talents available to him next season.
"He was a key piece in West Kelowna's run to the RBC championship and he will be a great addition in our dressing room," van Diemen said. "He brings a lot of experience, skill, leadership and a relentless work ethic. These are all extremely valuable traits that will benefit our hockey club."
Beginning in 2017-18, Mennear will play on scholarship for Bentley University, an NCAA Division 1 school located in Waltham, Mass.
