Article: Dante De Caria | Photo: Damon James
Powell River, BC – The Powell River Kings are proud to announce that ’01 born defenseman Ben Wozney has commited to NCAA Division 1 Bowling Green University for 2021-22.
Wozney, 18, joined the Kings last season, registering seven points (0G / 7A) in just 27-games due to injures. Prior to last season, the New Westminster, BC native suited up for the Burnaby Winter Club Prep where he totaled 28-points (7G / 21A) in 34-games as 16-year-old.
“He’s very poised with the puck and he’s very smart,” said Kings Head Coach Tyler Kuntz on what the Falcons are getting. “He’s a skilled defenseman that has really good size, and once he grows into his very tall frame (6’2 / 170), they see a lot of potential in what he can bring to their program.”
He becomes the first 2019-20 King’ to commit to an NCAA program, and joins Davis Pennington (Univ. of Nebraska-Omaha) and Dylan Finlay (Vermont) as committed defenseman on the Kings blueline.
The Burnaby Winter Club graduate will reunite Maco Balkovec, who was his Head Coach at Burnaby, and was recently hired on at Bowling Green as their Assistant Coach.
“He helped me a lot when I was over there (Burnaby Winter Club), and I don’t think I’d be the player or person I am today without his help,” said Wozney. “He’s a big people person so its going to be a big bonus to have him there.”
Wozney says that him and his father visited Bowling Green’s facility and campus in early August fell in love with their culture.
“I didnt know what to expect, but I heard a lot of great things about that program. I was pretty amazed by everything and they talk a lot about culture and that’s a big point for me. It’s a pretty special place.”
The Powell River Kings are at home on Friday, August 30th at 5:00 p.m., when they host the Alberni Valley Bulldogs in their final pre-season contest. The regular season begins at Hap Parker Arena on Friday, September 6th at 7:00 p.m.
