The Powell River Kings are very pleased to announce that three graduating players from the 2015-16 season are continuing their hockey careers, while also earning an education, at various Canadian universities.
Defenceman Jeremy Leclerc, who played three seasons with the Kings scoring 18 goals and 51 assists in 171 games, is headed to Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario. The Saskatoon, Saskatchewan native came to the Kings as a back to back Saskatchewan Midget League champion in 2012 and 2013, before increasing his point total in each of his three seasons in Powell River.
“I saw how many scholarships came out of the BCHL and thought it would be a good opportunity for me to get one,” Leclerc said. “My brother went to the University of Waterloo and I have lots of family around the area. I think the tight-knit community of Powell River is what makes it so special to play there. I played an extra year of midget to be able to go out there and it was a great decision.” Leclerc will be taking a first-year arts program before further deciding what he wants to pursue academically.
Rylan Ball spent his final year of junior playing in front of his home crowd, and will now head east to the University of Western Ontario to play for the Mustangs while working towards a business degree. The Powell River native stepped up in a big offensive role for the Kings last season, tallying 11 goals along with 28 assists in 55 games, before scoring two more goals and three more assists in 10 playoff games.
“Western gave me a call and I started looking into their program,” Ball said. “Not only is the hockey good, but academically they’re a good school as well. I kind of lucked out that they’re in Canada and I get to stay in the country. It was nice playing a full season at home. You want to play well every night at home, and I got more comfortable as the season went on. Playing for the Kings was such a highlight for me.”
Lastly, forward Nick Halagian will play near his hometown of St. Catharines, Ontario, as he has committed to the University of Waterloo Warriors for next season. After joining the Kings midway through the 2014-15 season from the St. Catharines Falcons of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League, Halagian became an instant offensive threat for the club. After posting 16 points in 22 games in 2014-15, Halagian finished second on the club in scoring last season with 43 points in 48 games.
“Playing in Powell River is right up there amongst my hockey experiences,” Halagian said. “I spent time in the Ontario Hockey League and the Quebec Major Junior League, playing alongside guys who are in the NHL right now, but Powell River is just so unique. Kent was always so good to me. You try and explain the town to people who aren’t from there but it’s impossible. It’s so beautiful there and I truly consider Powell River a second home.” Halagian will be taking general courses before choosing a major next year.
Kings head coach and general manager Kent Lewis is thrilled three of his players have moved on to the next level.
“These guys are going to great programs and getting fantastic educations,” Lewis said. “Rylan was a late bloomer, he’ll do very well at Western. Jeremy was a steady force for three years on our blue line and Nick was a big contributor while here. I’m very proud of all of these guys. Not going to the NCAA is not the end of the world; financially it made more sense for them to stay in the country, and they’re all great students. These guys are going to some great schools and they’ll have opportunities in hockey after their university careers are over if they want them.”
The Kings would like to congratulate Jeremy, Rylan and Nick on their commitments, and look forward to seeing their development over the coming years.
