Skip to content
Join our Newsletter

Spruce Kings sign B.C. boys Elliott, McGregor-Bennett

The Prince George Spruce Kings announced Friday they've added forward Kilian McGregor-Bennett and defenceman Connor Elliott for next season. Both B.C. natives will play as 17-year-olds in 2020-21.

The Prince George Spruce Kings announced Friday they've added forward Kilian McGregor-Bennett and defenceman Connor Elliott for next season.

Both B.C. natives will play as 17-year-olds in 2020-21.

McGregor-Bennett played this past season for the Delta Hockey Academy midget prep team and produced eight goals and 10 assists in 34 games. The native of Surrey, who turned 17 on Wednesday, was called up to play four BCHL games for the Spruce Kings this season as an affiliated player.

“We are thrilled to add Kilian to our roster next season,” said Kings head coach Alex Evin, in a team release. “During his time with our team, he impressed our staff as an exceptional teammate and an intelligent player who plays with a high compete level and strong work ethic."

Elliott, a native of Coldstream, played major midget hockey in nearby Kelowna with the Okanagan Rockets. In 40 BCHMML games he collected nine goals and 18 assists for 27 points.

“Watching Connor throughout this past year, we are impressed with how much his game has evolved," said Evin. “He is a big mobile defender who can hopefully continue his progression within our program for years to come."

Elliott played four games this season in the BCHL with the Penticton Vees.

The Kings turned over 17 players from last year's championship team roster and struggled on the ice, winning just 18 of 58 games and barely making the playoffs. They were seeded 15 out of 16 playoff teams and were swept by the Trail Smoke Eaters in a four-game opening-round series. Fifteen players from this year's team are eligible to return in 2020-21.

The Spruce Kings had planned on staging their annual spring camp, April 3-5 at Rolling Mix Concrete Arena, but that was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Kings general manager Mike Hawes says there is no plan to reschedule the camp but wouldn't rule out the possibility of having it later in the spring or summer if the global situation improves dramatically.