The Kings have added one more piece to their offensive puzzle for 2015/2016, signing 97-born forward Jeremy Leipsic.
The 5’8, 155lb forward is from Winnipeg, where he played for the Midget AAA Wild last season putting up 20 goals and 64 assists in 44 games. “We had a really strong season but unfortunately fell short in the playoffs” says Leipsic. “It was a really successful year regardless, I had great team mates that helped me put points on the board.” That’s the primary focus for Leipsic, offensive production. “I play a fast style of game, offensive. I’ve been really working on my defensive game a lot, but I’m an offensive player and help the team as much as I can on the scoreboard.”
“Jeremy’s numbers speak for themselves. He’s offensively gifted, he’s quick, he’s gritty and he’s going to be big for our hockey club” says Kings Head Coach and General Manager Kent Lewis. “We’ve been talking with Jeremy for a number of weeks now and we’re confident he’s going to make the jump to Junior hockey successfully and contribute right away for the Kings.”
Leipsic will make the trek from Manitoba to Powell River ahead of camp in August, and it’s that road which was paved by a now-former King which helped Leipsic land in Powell River. “The BCHL is probably the top league in Canada and I’ve heard nothing but good things about Powell River, the people and the community” says Leipsic. “Kurt Keats is also a friend of mine and he just raved about the town, so being able to talk to a guy who played there helped my decision (to come).”
In addition to offensive talents in his own right as Jeremy, 18, comes from a hockey family. His older brother Brendan, 21, played over 250 games in the Western Hockey League, finishing better than a point per game, before moving onto a continuing pro career. “He’s a huge influence, I’ve been looking up to him since I’ve been playing hockey” adds Leipsic. “I focus on my own career, but he’s a great help in the summer when we train and skate together so he’s someone I definitely look up to.”
With a commitment to the BCHL and Powell River secured, Leipsic will turn his attention to making a difficult jump from Midget hockey to Junior. “College hockey, Division 1, is the main goal especially with me coming out west, knowing how much the BCHL and Powell River is scouted. I want to continue working on my defensive game, and just get bigger, stronger, faster off the ice and that’ll be a big part for me to play better on the ice. My expectations right now are to come in and have a good training camp, then look ahead to the season after that.”
Camp begins in late August at the Hap Parker Arena in Powell River, with exhibitions and the regular season getting underway in September.
