The Powell River Kings are thrilled to announce the commitment of 2003-born forward Michael Abgrall for the 2019-2020 season.
Abgrall, from Richmond, spent last season playing for Burnaby Winter Club’s Elite-15 program where he recorded 26 goals and 22 assists in 29 games.
“Michael’s a really quiet, intelligent hockey player and his game is very similar to his personality.” Said Kings Head Coach and General Manager Tyler Kuntz, “He was a light, young player last year that was able to outsmart his opponents and get the puck back from bigger players by using his brain and his feet. We see him as a high-end, highly skilled player that can really skate.”
Last year with the Kings, Abgrall dressed in five games with the team and recorded a pair of assists. “When I played those five games, it was really fun to see the talent along with getting to know all the guys for next year.” Said Abgrall, “Going forward I hope to keep producing like that, especially being a sixteen-year-old it’s going to be hard but I’m confident that I can adjust to the speed and strength of everyone in the league.”
During his time at the Burnaby Winter Club, Abgrall gives credit to his coaches for helping him develop both on and off the ice. “The coaching staff there was great.” Said Abgrall, “They did lots of skill development and really pushed you to be your best, not just on the ice but in school as well. I had a great time there.”
In February, Abgrall was selected to represent British Columbia at the Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, Alberta. In 7 games, Abgrall finished the tournament with 2 goals and 6 assists while BC finished 7th overall in the tournament. “It was a great experience getting to play against the top players from all over Canada.” Said Abgrall, “It was a tough result for us in the end, but I still had a great time.”
When talking about what Abgrall brings to the team, Tyler Kuntz believes the Kings are not only getting a quality player on the ice but one off the ice as well. “You’re getting the whole package with him,” said Kuntz, “he’s received great support from everyone around him, his advisors, his parents and his coaches at Burnaby Winter Club. Maco Balkovec, Josh Bonar and the rest of the coaches there have done a great job with him.”
“In my experience, when you’re going to take a sixteen-year-old in junior you have to be 100% sure that he’s going to play with good players.” Said Kuntz when asked about Abgrall making the jump as a sixteen-year-old, “We think he’s not only going to be a good player down the line for us, but he’s going to help us this year. He’ll play with some really good players, and we see him as a guy who’s going to come in and contribute right away and we’re very excited to have him.”
Michael will join his new teammates in Powell River for training camp, starting August 19th.
